In Mr. Crosby's elementary class in Sparks Nevada every student has a laptop. With that kind of kid to computer ratio it would be crazy not to utilize that tool as much as possible! So, he does. One of the biggest advantages he has seen from this is the growth of the class blog's audience and their personal learning network! He set up a project so that it would included learning in Science and in English. His students released a balloon and watched it ascend on the computer! As it ascended they were asking to write their blog as if they were the balloon! This blog was viewed world-wide and the students were able to converse about class strategies and results! How amazing! So Mr. Crosby has taught us that Project based learning expands PLNs far beyond our expectations!
Paul Anderson, Blended Learning Cycle:
Paul talked about the five E's and QUIVERS
Five E's-engage, explore, expand, explain, and evaluate! These E's will help to make sure your class is intrigued with their learning. He also uses the fun acronym QUIVERS.
QU-questions; start by asking a question
I-investigate/inquiry; look for answers/further questions
V-video; present a video of yourself discussing the subject matter
E-elaborate; the video is just an intro to build from
R-reviews; make sure the students have enough of an understanding about the subject to discuss it or test on it
Mark Church, Making Thinking Visible:
Mr. Church's students were put into small groups. Each group was asked to express their topic(early human beginnings) with a headline that captures the essence of the puzzle. This challenges students to really think about and understand what they are trying to find answers to. They must sum up their entire discussion in one phrase. After some more studying they will update their phrase and look back at where their learning began.
Sam Pane, Building Comics:
Mr. Payne spends time making sure students know how to be safe, respectful and responsible on the internet. This is blatantly important. While kids may know a lot about navigating technology they don't always know how to do so in a safe way. Mr Payne Helped his students build a comic strip and write a narrative to go with it. Once it is finished they can post their's and view others' in the "gallery".
Dean Shareski, Project Based Learning:
Mr. Shareski reiterates how powerful project based learning is. He teaches us to always ask for feedback about your projects with questions like, "How could we make this better?" Project based learning is the most effective form of teaching. Students retain so much more information when they can connect what they learn with technology.
Roosevelt Elementary's PBL Program.
This video shows us how to use PBL to improve public speaking skills. It gives kids a chance to chose how and what they learn. This sharpens their life skills such as cooperative learning, communication and creativity. It teaches us as teacher as well by allowing us to differentiate between the learning styles of our students and integrate it into our curriculum.
Hey Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI liked reading your blog post today. I like how you included the 5 E's. I loved how every student in that Nevada classroom had a laoptop. That much technology is defiently a positive attribute.
Great job!
ReplyDelete