For my IEP project I decided to make a website for my PE program at Nunaka Valley. My first step was to talk with our tech. person to find out if our school already had a webpage and if so how hard would it be to add a PE page to it. Turns out we did already have a page but it was very stagnant and outdated. If you are interested in checking out our old website click here. Another problem with the old page is that it was difficult to get to. Unless you had the page bookmarked you had to go through the Anchorage School District's website to get to ours.
The music teacher and I got together and decided to make a new website for our school that could be easily updated with new stuff that way we could keep people coming back. The website is now simply nunakavalley.com. It has turned out to be a great thing for our school!
We used WordPress as our publishing platform. Our website uses a blog type of layout that allows us to constantly update it with ease. Parents and students can expect to see something new every few days. The website also allows us to have pages set up for teachers. A few teachers have already taken advantage of this. They use their pages to post weekly homework, assignments and other things. We are still working on helping teachers set up their pages. Hopefully they will all have their own page soon.
In the process of setting up the site and my page I had to learn how to use WordPress as well as several other web services. I had to become familiar with Picasa to upload pictures, create web albums, and make slide shows. I had to embed media into pages and posts, and I dabbled a little with Html. I learned to use MyStudiyo to make and embed online quizzes into the site. All in all I have become a lot more technologically competent as a result of this IEP assignment and our school has come away with a very valuable communication tool.
Click here to view the new Nunaka Valley Website!
Click here to see the website's Educational Application.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Professional Online Community
I joined the Anchorage School District Elementary PE Teachers Forum. This is a new forum, I have been involved since October 29th. This forum has the potential to be a very valuable tool not only for me but for all of the ASD PE teachers. As a new teacher I have found my most valuable resource to be collaboration with other teachers. Over the last year it has been very difficult to collaborate because we are all isolated at our own schools. This forum gives us the opportunity to collaborate, share lesson ideas, post pictures and videos, and share or trade equipment.
A challenge that the forum faces is getting teachers to buy in. There has not been an abundance of activity on the forum. I think a lot of teachers prefer using e-mail because they already check it every day. The forum is just another thing to check. The forum does however give you networking opportunities that e-mail cannot provide. I think the forum will be a great tool but it just needs a little more time to catch on.
Click here to visit online community. (If this does not work e-mail me. I may have to invite you into the forum.)
A challenge that the forum faces is getting teachers to buy in. There has not been an abundance of activity on the forum. I think a lot of teachers prefer using e-mail because they already check it every day. The forum is just another thing to check. The forum does however give you networking opportunities that e-mail cannot provide. I think the forum will be a great tool but it just needs a little more time to catch on.
Click here to visit online community. (If this does not work e-mail me. I may have to invite you into the forum.)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Digital Story
The Adventure of Michael Mickey Mantle Jordan
This story is designed as a warm-up story for an elementary school physical education class. The main character of this story, Michael Mickey Mantle Jordan, gets lost after a volcano erupts. He ends up getting chased by various wild animals. In the process of escaping he uses movements that he learned in P.E. The idea behind this is the students perform the different movements as the story is being told.
Story Map: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhm7ws2s_10c2ss9wf9
Story Script: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhm7ws2s_12cffmqkcn
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Internet Resources
Internet Resources:
I found it impossible to limit these resources to just three. Listed below are seven really good resources for Physical Education Teachers. These resources are useful because they are full of lessons, games and activities for the gym. Some of have tips for assessment, class management ideas, the latest research, and online forums. The NASPE Standards for Physical Education can also be found at many of these sites.
I found it impossible to limit these resources to just three. Listed below are seven really good resources for Physical Education Teachers. These resources are useful because they are full of lessons, games and activities for the gym. Some of have tips for assessment, class management ideas, the latest research, and online forums. The NASPE Standards for Physical Education can also be found at many of these sites.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Article Assesment #2
Nick Leiser E-Mail: asnal2@uaa.alaska.edu 6-18-2008
Article Title: Assistive Technologies for Reading
Author: Ted Hasselbring and Margaret Bausch
Article Overview: This article points out the increasing number of students needing special education services that are in the general education classroom and may not be getting proper assistance. It also discusses several kinds of assistive learning technology that would be beneficial to those students with special needs. Assistive technologies have made a dramatic difference for students with severe impairments; however research suggests that its potential remains untapped for the larger group of students.
Reference Points:
1. More students with special needs are being educated in inclusive classrooms where they are expected to perform grade-level work but not always given specialized support. Teachers are searching for ways to educate students with disabilities more effectively.
2. Although assistive technologies have made a dramatic difference for students with severe impairments, research suggests that its potential remains untapped for the larger group of students.
3. Read & Write Gold is an example of software that can assist students with special needs. This program is customizable to fit the learner’s needs. It provides text-to-speech output, word prediction and several other beneficial features.
4. One of the greatest problems that poor readers face is a deficit in background knowledge. We have all read text books that made no sense to us even though we could read all the words. READ 180 remedies that problem by providing a video that gives the background knowledge needed to make sense of the text.
5. Improved learning for all students depends on the quality of the instruction. “Instructional technologies are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition.” (Richard Clark, 1983).
6. Although assistive technologies make it possible for students with disabilities to profit from good instruction, technology is not magic; it is simply a tool, when used skillfully, it can help achieve spectacular results.
Significance: Teachers need to become more informed about the different typed of assistive technology available and start taking advantage of it.
Article Title: Assistive Technologies for Reading
Author: Ted Hasselbring and Margaret Bausch
Article Overview: This article points out the increasing number of students needing special education services that are in the general education classroom and may not be getting proper assistance. It also discusses several kinds of assistive learning technology that would be beneficial to those students with special needs. Assistive technologies have made a dramatic difference for students with severe impairments; however research suggests that its potential remains untapped for the larger group of students.
Reference Points:
1. More students with special needs are being educated in inclusive classrooms where they are expected to perform grade-level work but not always given specialized support. Teachers are searching for ways to educate students with disabilities more effectively.
2. Although assistive technologies have made a dramatic difference for students with severe impairments, research suggests that its potential remains untapped for the larger group of students.
3. Read & Write Gold is an example of software that can assist students with special needs. This program is customizable to fit the learner’s needs. It provides text-to-speech output, word prediction and several other beneficial features.
4. One of the greatest problems that poor readers face is a deficit in background knowledge. We have all read text books that made no sense to us even though we could read all the words. READ 180 remedies that problem by providing a video that gives the background knowledge needed to make sense of the text.
5. Improved learning for all students depends on the quality of the instruction. “Instructional technologies are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition.” (Richard Clark, 1983).
6. Although assistive technologies make it possible for students with disabilities to profit from good instruction, technology is not magic; it is simply a tool, when used skillfully, it can help achieve spectacular results.
Significance: Teachers need to become more informed about the different typed of assistive technology available and start taking advantage of it.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Article Assesment #1
Nick Leiser E-Mail: asnal2@uaa.alaska.edu 6-16-2008
Article Title: The Overdominance of Computers
Author: Lowell W. Monke
Article Overview: This article discusses the role of technology in today’s classroom. Monke thinks that technology should not be taking the place of interpersonal communication. Students need real life experiences to learn human qualities such as honesty, compassion, trust… Students today are not failing because of a lack of technological skills. They fail because they lack hope, compassion, trust, respect, a sense of belonging, moral judgment, stability, community support, parental care… Technology should be taught in the last two years of school that way we aren’t training students in technical skills that are soon to be obsolete.
Reference Points:
1. Just because schools should be preparing students for a high tech society does not mean that children of all ages should be using high tech tools. We live in a vehicle dependant society, but we don’t have 10 year olds driving around in cars.
2. Assessment data shows that the more access students have to computers, the lower their overall test scores were.
3. As a result of increased time spent with computers, video games, and TV, the current generation of elementary students will experience 30% fewer face-to-face encounters than the previous generation (Hammel, 1999).
4. It is the lack of hope, compassion, trust, respect, a sense of belonging, moral judgment, stability, community support, parental care, and teacher competence and enthusiasm that keeps so many students imprisoned in ignorance.
5. We label students too quickly, and are eager to apply external technical fixes (including medications) to students who often simply aren’t ready for the abstract, academic, and sedentary environment of today’s early elementary classrooms.
6. Teachers should spend considerable time during the last two years of high school outfitting students with the high-tech skills they will need when they graduate. This “just-in-time” approach is far more efficient instructionally and financially than retraining younger students in technical skills soon to be obsolete.
Significance: We should take a close look and maybe even rethink the use of technology at younger ages. Make sure that the use of technology is not replacing human interaction. Also be careful not to go overboard on the opposite end of the spectrum and remove computers completely from elementary classrooms. They are a great resource for nearly every subject imaginable.
Article Title: The Overdominance of Computers
Author: Lowell W. Monke
Article Overview: This article discusses the role of technology in today’s classroom. Monke thinks that technology should not be taking the place of interpersonal communication. Students need real life experiences to learn human qualities such as honesty, compassion, trust… Students today are not failing because of a lack of technological skills. They fail because they lack hope, compassion, trust, respect, a sense of belonging, moral judgment, stability, community support, parental care… Technology should be taught in the last two years of school that way we aren’t training students in technical skills that are soon to be obsolete.
Reference Points:
1. Just because schools should be preparing students for a high tech society does not mean that children of all ages should be using high tech tools. We live in a vehicle dependant society, but we don’t have 10 year olds driving around in cars.
2. Assessment data shows that the more access students have to computers, the lower their overall test scores were.
3. As a result of increased time spent with computers, video games, and TV, the current generation of elementary students will experience 30% fewer face-to-face encounters than the previous generation (Hammel, 1999).
4. It is the lack of hope, compassion, trust, respect, a sense of belonging, moral judgment, stability, community support, parental care, and teacher competence and enthusiasm that keeps so many students imprisoned in ignorance.
5. We label students too quickly, and are eager to apply external technical fixes (including medications) to students who often simply aren’t ready for the abstract, academic, and sedentary environment of today’s early elementary classrooms.
6. Teachers should spend considerable time during the last two years of high school outfitting students with the high-tech skills they will need when they graduate. This “just-in-time” approach is far more efficient instructionally and financially than retraining younger students in technical skills soon to be obsolete.
Significance: We should take a close look and maybe even rethink the use of technology at younger ages. Make sure that the use of technology is not replacing human interaction. Also be careful not to go overboard on the opposite end of the spectrum and remove computers completely from elementary classrooms. They are a great resource for nearly every subject imaginable.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Educational Philosophy
Philosophy Statement
As an elementary school physical education teacher, I believe that every student should be kept as active as possible. Students should be introduced to a wide range of fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage social interaction, teamwork, fair play, and the development of motor skills.
Educational concepts such as the importance of exercise, warm-up, stretching and proper nutrition should be incorporated in ways that don‘t detract from physical activity. In addition, students should learn about the body’s major systems.
The gym should be a safe, non-threatening environment where students of all abilities feel comfortable.
Before and after school activities should be offered as a way to expand on or supplement what is taught in class, foster interest in the program, and create opportunities for parent involvement.
It is recommended that kids get an hour of exercise every day. Because schools don’t even get close to providing that much physical education, students should be encouraged to participate in recreational activities and sports programs outside of school. The best way to ensure an active healthy lifestyle through all stages of life is to develop a love for it at an early age.
You can see my slide show at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DGsuJpXXK0
As an elementary school physical education teacher, I believe that every student should be kept as active as possible. Students should be introduced to a wide range of fun, developmentally appropriate activities that encourage social interaction, teamwork, fair play, and the development of motor skills.
Educational concepts such as the importance of exercise, warm-up, stretching and proper nutrition should be incorporated in ways that don‘t detract from physical activity. In addition, students should learn about the body’s major systems.
The gym should be a safe, non-threatening environment where students of all abilities feel comfortable.
Before and after school activities should be offered as a way to expand on or supplement what is taught in class, foster interest in the program, and create opportunities for parent involvement.
It is recommended that kids get an hour of exercise every day. Because schools don’t even get close to providing that much physical education, students should be encouraged to participate in recreational activities and sports programs outside of school. The best way to ensure an active healthy lifestyle through all stages of life is to develop a love for it at an early age.
You can see my slide show at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DGsuJpXXK0
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Presentation Evaluation
After watching my energy conservation presentation, I noticed a couple areas where I can improve.
-My presentation is long and boring. If I present things like this in the future I need to keep them shore and sweet.
-My hand gestures make me look nervous, and distract from what I am saying. I need to reduce and slow down the hand gestures.
-I say "and" a lot, especially when transitioning from one topic to another. I need to find other "filler" words, or just pause.
You can find my spreadsheet at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pbRw4L_yMLOpDoeNptDIgVA
You can view my presentation at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCF1RBkLi44
-My presentation is long and boring. If I present things like this in the future I need to keep them shore and sweet.
-My hand gestures make me look nervous, and distract from what I am saying. I need to reduce and slow down the hand gestures.
-I say "and" a lot, especially when transitioning from one topic to another. I need to find other "filler" words, or just pause.
You can find my spreadsheet at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pbRw4L_yMLOpDoeNptDIgVA
You can view my presentation at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCF1RBkLi44
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Energy Conservation PowerPoint
My energy comservation project is on fuel consumption. The PowerPoint covers how much gas I use in a week, and how much it costs me assuming that gas is $3.60 per gallon. It also shows three different scenarios and how much I could potentially save by making minor changes.
In addition, my slideshow points out some tips on how to become more fuel efficient, and it points to some new technology to look for in the future. Here is a link to the project: http://www.slideshare.net/nickleiser/energt-conservation-powerpoint/
In addition, my slideshow points out some tips on how to become more fuel efficient, and it points to some new technology to look for in the future. Here is a link to the project: http://www.slideshare.net/nickleiser/energt-conservation-powerpoint/
Article Assesment #3
Nick Leiser e-mail: asnal2@uaa.alaska.edu Date:5-3-08
Article Title: Tools for the Mind Author: Mary Burns
Article Overview:
This article points out how the perception of technology in the classroom has recently changed. We have shifted from a time when the potential of technology seemed limitless, and funding was plentiful, to a time where the potential of technology has been greatly untapped, and funding has been redirected to meet the needs of NCLB. It also discusses how technology has been used primarily for show and tell purposes rather than to promote a higher level of thinking.
Reference Points:
1. With budget cuts for technology and new NCLB requirements, the value of technology as an educational tool has come under scrutiny.
2. Use of lower order technology tools has become prevalent. Tools that involve a higher order of thinking are not used enough.
3. We are becoming a copy & paste culture. Students are putting together reports and presentations without absorbing the information.
4. Technology has been used primarily for show and tell purposes. Programs like Word and Powerpoint are frequently used to create presentations. According to a survey on the frequency of technology use in the classroom, electronic presentation was the most used form of technology. Technology is not being used to cultivate learning and deeper understanding.
5. Geographic Information Systems, Computer Aided Design Programs, and Simulation Software Programs should be used to promote higher levels of thinking.
6. Capitalizing from technology’s educational potential will require a return to our original assumptions; the need for critical thinking, for learner-centered instruction, and for students to use computers as mind tools.
Significance:
The significance of this article is that we as teachers are not taking full advantage of the potential that technology has for educational purposes. We need to re-evaluate the use of technology in our classrooms and determine how we can make better use of it. I found this paragraph from the article to be the most helpful when it comes to trying to change how technology is being used. “To implement these recommendations, teachers need a panoply of supports. They need opportunities to work together with colleagues to plan rich, preferably interdisciplinary activities in which technology serves to extend learning in ways that would not be possible without its use. They also need effective instructional and technology leadership from school and district administrators, access to higher-order technology tools, time to learn about and integrate these tools, and follow-up support and coaching.”
Article Title: Tools for the Mind Author: Mary Burns
Article Overview:
This article points out how the perception of technology in the classroom has recently changed. We have shifted from a time when the potential of technology seemed limitless, and funding was plentiful, to a time where the potential of technology has been greatly untapped, and funding has been redirected to meet the needs of NCLB. It also discusses how technology has been used primarily for show and tell purposes rather than to promote a higher level of thinking.
Reference Points:
1. With budget cuts for technology and new NCLB requirements, the value of technology as an educational tool has come under scrutiny.
2. Use of lower order technology tools has become prevalent. Tools that involve a higher order of thinking are not used enough.
3. We are becoming a copy & paste culture. Students are putting together reports and presentations without absorbing the information.
4. Technology has been used primarily for show and tell purposes. Programs like Word and Powerpoint are frequently used to create presentations. According to a survey on the frequency of technology use in the classroom, electronic presentation was the most used form of technology. Technology is not being used to cultivate learning and deeper understanding.
5. Geographic Information Systems, Computer Aided Design Programs, and Simulation Software Programs should be used to promote higher levels of thinking.
6. Capitalizing from technology’s educational potential will require a return to our original assumptions; the need for critical thinking, for learner-centered instruction, and for students to use computers as mind tools.
Significance:
The significance of this article is that we as teachers are not taking full advantage of the potential that technology has for educational purposes. We need to re-evaluate the use of technology in our classrooms and determine how we can make better use of it. I found this paragraph from the article to be the most helpful when it comes to trying to change how technology is being used. “To implement these recommendations, teachers need a panoply of supports. They need opportunities to work together with colleagues to plan rich, preferably interdisciplinary activities in which technology serves to extend learning in ways that would not be possible without its use. They also need effective instructional and technology leadership from school and district administrators, access to higher-order technology tools, time to learn about and integrate these tools, and follow-up support and coaching.”
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Energy Conservation
The question that I am asking for my energy conservation project is,"How much fuel and money could I save by riding my bike to work instead of driving?" I googled fuel conservation and there were several good sites that relate to the subject. Riding a bike instead of driving was even listed on one of the sites as a suggestion to decrease fuel consumption.
To answer this question I need to know how far it is to work, round trip. I also need to know my trucks gas mileage. I will look up the distance to work on Mapquest.com. To figure out my gas mileage I will divide the number of miles driven by the gas used. I will also document how much and where I drive for a week. This will help me determine if there are any other areas where I can become more efficient.
To answer this question I need to know how far it is to work, round trip. I also need to know my trucks gas mileage. I will look up the distance to work on Mapquest.com. To figure out my gas mileage I will divide the number of miles driven by the gas used. I will also document how much and where I drive for a week. This will help me determine if there are any other areas where I can become more efficient.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Anthro-Tech
After assessing the technological culture at Nunaka Valley I have come to the conclusion that there is an amazing amount of untapped potential when it comes to the use of technology in schools. We have technology and computer lab time available to us however it is not always used and there is not a big emphasis on educational technology in our curriculum. The amount of technology that students are exposed to seems to be largely at the discretion of the teacher.
A couple of teachers are working on a TTL grant that will bring digital storytelling to our school. This will be a great project because it will get the whole school involved with the use of technology. Hopefully it will help teachers become more comfortable with the incorporation of technology in the classroom. http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhm7ws2s_0g97td9fb
A couple of teachers are working on a TTL grant that will bring digital storytelling to our school. This will be a great project because it will get the whole school involved with the use of technology. Hopefully it will help teachers become more comfortable with the incorporation of technology in the classroom. http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhm7ws2s_0g97td9fb
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Article Assesment #2
Nick Leiser E-mail: asnal2@uaa.alaska.edu 3-15-08
Article Title: The Educator’s Guide to the Read/Write Web
Author: Will Richardson
Article Overview:
“The Educator’s Guide to the Read/Write Web” talks about the internet not just as a place to gather information, but also as a forum where users can publish, broadcast, and discuss their own ideas. Richardson talks about some of the different ways to use the internet as a tool for thought and discussion. He also discusses the impact of this on teaching and education.
Reference Points:
1. Weblogs or blogs are used to post personal or group web sites. They allow you to update them by posting new information. Visitors can post comments on your blog making it interactive. Teachers can use blogs as tools to promote critical thinking, reading and writing.
2. Wikis are websites that anyone can edit at any time. They can be constantly updated or clarified with new current information. These can be used by students to gain access to current information on a subject. Wikis can also can be set up by students or teachers for class projects.
3. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Feeds allow you to subscribe to different blogs or subject specific information. Anytime there is an update an aggregator copies and saves it. You can also use websites like furl.net to access other people’s RSS feeds. RSS feeds allow you to read current information and comments on a specific subject.
4. Podcasts video or audio broadcasts that are posted on the web. They can be viewed at any time rather than just at the time of broadcast. This can be used be educators to view and show educationally enhancing broadcasts.
5. With such an overwhelming amount of information on the web it is really important that we teach students how to sift through and judge information on its credibility rather than just accept it as fact.
6. With so many people publishing blogs and making pod casts, students have access to experts that may have more knowledge in a specific content area than their teacher. The role of teachers may need to shift from content expert to guide.
Reflection:
The internet can be used as a forum where you can discuss and collaborate on new ideas and information. Blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, and pod casts can be used to greatly enhance education. Teachers need to recognize the great potential this technology has as an educational tool. They need to adapt and help guide their students so they can take advantage of the resources available to them.
Article Title: The Educator’s Guide to the Read/Write Web
Author: Will Richardson
Article Overview:
“The Educator’s Guide to the Read/Write Web” talks about the internet not just as a place to gather information, but also as a forum where users can publish, broadcast, and discuss their own ideas. Richardson talks about some of the different ways to use the internet as a tool for thought and discussion. He also discusses the impact of this on teaching and education.
Reference Points:
1. Weblogs or blogs are used to post personal or group web sites. They allow you to update them by posting new information. Visitors can post comments on your blog making it interactive. Teachers can use blogs as tools to promote critical thinking, reading and writing.
2. Wikis are websites that anyone can edit at any time. They can be constantly updated or clarified with new current information. These can be used by students to gain access to current information on a subject. Wikis can also can be set up by students or teachers for class projects.
3. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) Feeds allow you to subscribe to different blogs or subject specific information. Anytime there is an update an aggregator copies and saves it. You can also use websites like furl.net to access other people’s RSS feeds. RSS feeds allow you to read current information and comments on a specific subject.
4. Podcasts video or audio broadcasts that are posted on the web. They can be viewed at any time rather than just at the time of broadcast. This can be used be educators to view and show educationally enhancing broadcasts.
5. With such an overwhelming amount of information on the web it is really important that we teach students how to sift through and judge information on its credibility rather than just accept it as fact.
6. With so many people publishing blogs and making pod casts, students have access to experts that may have more knowledge in a specific content area than their teacher. The role of teachers may need to shift from content expert to guide.
Reflection:
The internet can be used as a forum where you can discuss and collaborate on new ideas and information. Blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, and pod casts can be used to greatly enhance education. Teachers need to recognize the great potential this technology has as an educational tool. They need to adapt and help guide their students so they can take advantage of the resources available to them.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Article Assesment #1
Nick Leiser E-mail: asnal2@uaa.alaska.edu 2-20-08
Article Title: Listen to the Natives; Author: Marc Prensky
Article Title: Listen to the Natives; Author: Marc Prensky
Article Overview:
“Listen to the Natives” talks about how our educational system is behind the times. New technological capabilities have given us the opportunity to make education a lot more engaging, individualized and effective. The problem is that many teachers do not know how to use these new technologies. An education that does not include technology is failing to prepare our students for the world they are living in.
“Listen to the Natives” talks about how our educational system is behind the times. New technological capabilities have given us the opportunity to make education a lot more engaging, individualized and effective. The problem is that many teachers do not know how to use these new technologies. An education that does not include technology is failing to prepare our students for the world they are living in.
Reference Points:
1. The prerequisites for learning are engagement and motivation. With the “old way” of teaching, charismatic teachers gave compelling lectures that led to engagement. The problem is that charismatic teachers are rare. Prensky suggests that the new way of teaching should be through electronic “gameplay”. Games that have desirable goals, interesting choices, immediate & useful feedback, and opportunities to level-up can create the engagement and motivation necessary for today’s students to learn.
2. Teachers can learn from their students about what technologies should be available at school, and also how these technologies can be used effectively.
3. Computer programs can adapt to a players capabilities & skills providing a more effective individualized education that allows students to reach their full potential.
4. With technology like instant messaging, chat rooms, blogs, pod casts… Students should be able to join groups of peers with similar interests, as well as choose instructors that will meet their needs. Location is no longer an issue. Students could join as many groups as they want to, and nobody would be left out.
5. Cell phones can be very powerful educational tools. We should use them rather than ban them.
6. A highly specialized 21st Century curriculum could be developed by videotaping meaningful Q&A sessions with students and experts in the many different fields.
7. With our current system many students believe that schools only function is to provide the credential that their parents say they need. If we don’t change and adapt, schools will become a holding pen for students while their parents are at work. Many students will not show up physically or mentally.
1. The prerequisites for learning are engagement and motivation. With the “old way” of teaching, charismatic teachers gave compelling lectures that led to engagement. The problem is that charismatic teachers are rare. Prensky suggests that the new way of teaching should be through electronic “gameplay”. Games that have desirable goals, interesting choices, immediate & useful feedback, and opportunities to level-up can create the engagement and motivation necessary for today’s students to learn.
2. Teachers can learn from their students about what technologies should be available at school, and also how these technologies can be used effectively.
3. Computer programs can adapt to a players capabilities & skills providing a more effective individualized education that allows students to reach their full potential.
4. With technology like instant messaging, chat rooms, blogs, pod casts… Students should be able to join groups of peers with similar interests, as well as choose instructors that will meet their needs. Location is no longer an issue. Students could join as many groups as they want to, and nobody would be left out.
5. Cell phones can be very powerful educational tools. We should use them rather than ban them.
6. A highly specialized 21st Century curriculum could be developed by videotaping meaningful Q&A sessions with students and experts in the many different fields.
7. With our current system many students believe that schools only function is to provide the credential that their parents say they need. If we don’t change and adapt, schools will become a holding pen for students while their parents are at work. Many students will not show up physically or mentally.
Reflection:
I think that Marc Prensky definitely has some valuable ideas. I like the idea of creating educational games that foster engagement. There are many ways to teach the same thing. Often the most effective way is not the easiest way. It takes a lot of thought, effort and creativity to make education engaging. Even then a teachers effort only impacts a small number of students. Educational games have the potential to impact unlimited numbers of students. I can imagine a future where games completely replace textbooks. I also really like the idea of giving students the freedom to pick their own classes/groups from a vast network of students and teachers. Learning is a lot more effective if is a choice rather than a requirement. Each student should have an individualized and highly specialized education that caters to their interests and abilities. This would be far superior to the run of the mill education that students receive today. We as a society need to make it happen!
I think that Marc Prensky definitely has some valuable ideas. I like the idea of creating educational games that foster engagement. There are many ways to teach the same thing. Often the most effective way is not the easiest way. It takes a lot of thought, effort and creativity to make education engaging. Even then a teachers effort only impacts a small number of students. Educational games have the potential to impact unlimited numbers of students. I can imagine a future where games completely replace textbooks. I also really like the idea of giving students the freedom to pick their own classes/groups from a vast network of students and teachers. Learning is a lot more effective if is a choice rather than a requirement. Each student should have an individualized and highly specialized education that caters to their interests and abilities. This would be far superior to the run of the mill education that students receive today. We as a society need to make it happen!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Futuring Assignment
School Train/Hannah-Fox Becomes a Better Person
If I was to grade “School Train” and Hannah-Fox Becomes a Better Person, I would look first at the objective of the assignment and whether or not they had been met. Do the students from the 4th grade language arts class understand what a metaphor is? I would say yes because they used several examples. Train-School, Engineer-Principal, Testing-Pull hard, Dining Car-Cafeteria, Students-Passengers, Tickets-Homework. After that I would rate the projects visual and auditory content. Were Hannah’s illustrations clear and understandable, and did they help the overall presentation? I would say yes. Did she speak clearly and confidently? Yes.
A rubric for the assignments might look like this:
Objectives met? Y N (specific objectives could be listed)Visual Presentation: 1 2 3 4 5
Auditory Presentation: 1 2 3 4 5
What impacts could the developments in Epic 2015 have on my classroom?
Maybe I am not being creative enough, but I can’t see how this would change Physical Education that much. I do however see a great potential for it to change the traditional educational process drastically. I am picturing a universal education system for the whole country that is also extremely individualized. Students would be given a test to determine their strengths and weaknesses in each subject area, as well as their interests. From there they would be placed in a pod cast group for each subject with others at the same level. Lessons, assignments… could be universally sent over a pod cast to all the students in a group. Assignments could be turned in via pod cast as well. Students would still attend class to get assistance from teachers on their pod cast assignments and for social reasons. With this type of system each student would have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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