Journal Entries

Project-Based Learning: Real-World Issues Motivate Students

In this article, Diane Curtis discusses the use of project-based learning as a cross curricular tool to actively engage 21st century learners. She cites Seymour Papert, a “renowned expert on children and computing,” and says that many educators agree that, “engaging students by starting with the concrete and solving hands-on, real-world problems is a great motivator.” PBL creates an opportunity for students to solve problems and answer questions that are relevant to their lives, making learning more meaningful. Students use a variety of resources to conduct research including: internet, interviews, surveys, and field trips. They work on solving the problem over an extended period. Curtis offers Sylvia Chard’s three phases of PBL: 1- discussion of topic and experiences related to it; 2- fieldwork; 3- presentation of project. Curtis suggests that PBL isn’t popular because it’s not the way we learned, but those who have implemented it have seen the results and can’t say enough about it! She says that students are, “engaged, enthusiastic, and excited,” about learning!

Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-student-motivation

An Introduction to Project Based Learning

Project based learning is a method of instruction that educators are using to actively engage their students and make learning more meaningful. Students are provided an opportunity to dig deeper into learning because they are researching a topic using the internet, interviewing experts, going on field trips, building models and testing them, collaborating with their peers, and presenting their findings. I believe that project based learning levels the playing field for all students. A topic or problem is introduced, next it is discussed and everyone shares their experiences with it, then everyone works together to solve the problem. Students build social skills and communication skills, as well as academic skills. They are in control of their learning. I think we could see a positive change in education if more project based learning were implemented. However, I think that it will face much adversity with educators who still believe in a strictly curriculum-based approach.      

Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-introduction-video

Project-Based Learning: An Overview

Project-based learning is changing the way that 21^st century students are learning. They can “explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups.” As I said before, PBL provides an opportunity for students to dig deeper into learning by researching a topic using the internet, interviewing experts, going on field trips, building models and testing them, collaborating with their peers, and presenting their findings. This method of teaching is student-centered and motivates students to do their best. They make connections between academic learning and the real world, making the learning more meaningful and thus, “sticking” with them. In my opinion, if more educators in the United States would adapt this method of teaching, we would see an astounding jump in student engagement and achievement. I think our educational system could climb higher and be more comparable to other countries with high achieving educational systems!

Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introduction

Video Production in a Cooperative Learning Environment

“It is in this collaborative environment that diverse student talents can be celebrated and disparate personalities constructively employed.” In this article, teachers learn how to set up collaborative groups to manifest successful video production in the classroom. The article gives descriptions of each part of the production crew as well as suggests the types of students who will do well with each position. For example, the leaders in the class will be good directors. They have a vision about what the final product will look like, they keep everyone on task and make final decisions. Other positions include: screenwriters- creative students; actors- outgoing students; camera operators- introverted, artistic eye students; editor, technical editor- good with computers; costume, makeup, set and props. The teacher is the producer. It is recommended that students work in groups of four or more and that students should have some input on which position they would like to hold. I think that students would enjoy doing this and that their learning would be much more meaningful because of their ownership in the production. Teachers could use video production to make “boring” topics more interesting and fun. I think students would love to make a movie about fire safety or maps or adding doubles!
Resource: http://schoolvideonews.com/Concepts/Video-Production-in-a-Cooperative-Learing-Environment

What to Teach- 10 things you should know when starting a video production class

In this article, Misty Gentle says, “there is not one way to teach this, nor is there a right way” to teach video production, but that teachers must look at the needs of their class. She uses two examples: a morning news class and a video production class. She suggests that when it comes to the morning news class, teachers should start with setting expectations and giving crew positions. Next students need to know basics of equipment as well as basic vocabulary, stage directions, hand signals and basic audio production. She recommends having students study the news so they can easily imitate a newscast. For the video production class, she says she starts with a ‘Basic Format’ vocabulary to familiarize students with all the diverse types of video. She says that after that each project builds on the other, with students mastering basic skills and learning new skills along the way.
Resource: http://schoolvideonews.com/Resources/What-to-Teach

Storyboard Your Project

This article discusses the how-to’s of creating a storyboard for your video production. To make this task less daunting, the article suggests that you begin by breaking your script down into individual shots. The shots are “continuous footage with no cuts” of what you envision your film will be about. Once you have decided on the shots, then each one should be carefully planned and evaluated. You will then need to decide which shots should be included in your storyboard. Next you will decide if your film is for the television screen or the movie screen since this will determine the size of your storyboard panels. Each panel will be an illustration of the shot you envision and will include extra information (dialogue, camera directions, special effects) under each one. Storyboards can be bought, printed from your computer, or simply drawn by hand. Storyboards are a great collaboration tool and can lead to splendid video production. Students working together on a storyboard for a film can bounce thoughts around and inspire new ideas creating not only a great film, but also great learning.   
Resource: http://schoolvideonews.com/Pre-Production/Storyboard-Your-Project

Radio WilloWeb

I listened to three different podcasts from Radio WillowWeb. They were all enjoyable! Each one had different segments in which different students discussed something they had learned, or a poem, joke, etc.

Willowcast #37- In this podcast, kindergarteners discussed what they had learned about President’s Day. The audio quality was good. There was some background music that played between segments. The student’s speech might be hard for some to understand since they are so young, but I was able to understand them.

Willowcast #24- In this podcast, first graders told what they learned about ants. Again, the audio quality was good as well as the background music. There were some added sound effects as well.

Willowcast #20- In this podcast, fifth graders discussed the Constitution. Great audio quality, sound effects, and background music were included in this one. It was the best one as far as speech quality. The students sounded confident in presenting their information.  
Resource:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radio-willowweb/id73799362?mt=2http://mps.wes.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=101919&sessionid=41917f9bd991a31963c31669315ff48c

What’s Behind the Great Podcast Renaissance?

In this article, Kevin Roose discusses the rise and fall of podcasting and why podcasting is now more popular than ever. He suggests that one reason for the “resurgence” is the shift from amateur to full scale production in podcasts. Podcasts once created by a couple of guys with a mic are now being created by a staff with a budget. Another reason he proposes is “economics;” a podcast is much less expensive to produce than a TV or radio show. And they can charge higher advertising rates because of “the personal nature of the single-host format.” But, he says that the number one reason for podcast popularity is the ability to listen to them while driving. Bluetooth capabilities are making it possible for people to listen to their podcasts on the commute to work, road trips, and any other time people are in their cars. He also states that software makers have helped podcasting apps by becoming more easily functional.  
Resource:http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2014/10/whats-behind-the-great-podcast-renaissance.html

Podcasting: Hear What the Buzz is About

In this article, Michael Gowan discusses podcasting. A podcast is an audio file created by anyone with a mic, a computer, and an online connection. You can listen to a podcast by simply downloading the audio file to your computer. Or you can download software, called podcast aggregators, so the file can be transferred to an iPod and listened to anywhere, anytime. Gowan suggests using any of these applications: iPodder, iPodderXLite, and Doppler. He recommends that beginners visit Adam Curry’s Daily Source Code, as well as Podcast Alley and Podcast Bunker to get started with podcasting. Once you find a podcast you enjoy, you can subscribe to it and stay current with the latest content. I have never listened to a podcast before, but my brother and sister both listen to them daily. After reading this article, I can’t wait to start finding my own podcasts to listen to and enjoy!
Resource: http://www.macworld.com/article/1042328/podcastinglisten.html

The Concept-Mapping Classroom

In this article, Cara Bafile discusses the concept-mapping software programs most commonly used in US schools, Inspiration and Kidspiration. Inspiration is designed for grades 6 and up, and Kidspiration is the younger version for grades K-5. The software allows students to organize their thoughts and ideas in a visual way. They can then turn those ideas into an outline with just a click of the mouse. Students can create their own projects or teachers can create templates for students to complete with concepts learned. Students can truly be creative and express themselves with this customizable software. Writing is an area that many students struggle with just because they don’t know how to organize their thoughts. Inspiration/Kidspiration is the perfect tool to get students excited about writing. I like how she suggests using it across the curriculum, as well. I know when I was teaching first grade, it was a challenge to get students writing about science. If they had created a concept map of the water cycle first, I believe they would have been much more inclined to write about it.  
Resource: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech164.shtml

Concept Mapping: A Graphical System for Understanding the Relationship Between Concepts

In this article, Eric Plotnick states that, “Concept mapping is a technique for representing the structure of information visually.” He suggests that concept mapping can be used as, “a creativity tool, a hypertext design tool, a communication tool, a learning tool, and an assessment tool.” In the past, I have used concept mapping to help my students brainstorm about a new topic. I like the idea of assessing student understanding or misunderstanding by using concept mapping. Plotnick discusses how computer software, like Inspiration, make creating and utilizing concept maps easy. Computer generated concept maps allow students to add information easily, as well as delete and edit information. Although I have only used handwritten concept maps, I love the idea of using a computer generated one. I think students are much more technologically savvy these days, and this could be something that would promote teamwork and that they would enjoy doing. 
Resource: https://www.mind-mapping.org/seminal-papers-in-information-mapping/concept-mapping-overview.html

Using online applications to enhance teaching and learning

There are numerous online applications to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. One specific way I would enhance teaching and learning in my Pre-k classroom is by creating a class blog. I would begin by showing my students examples of other classroom blogs. Then I would tell them that we’re going to create a blog about the happenings in our classroom. With each unit/topic I teach, we will post to our blog. Some posts will be written as a class, some by groups of students and some will be written (dictated) by individual students.  Another way I will use online applications is having my students work collaboratively to write a different ending to a classic tale using Google Docs. Since my students are so young, their parents would have to help them some at home. I think it’s a great way to get parents involved, too! I could also have my students write (dictate) a book review using Google Docs. Each group would be assigned a specific book, they would work together to write the review, then they could present their review to the class.  

Dropbox

Dropbox is an online application that allows you to store all your documents, photos, videos, and files all in one place that can be accessed anywhere- your phone, tablet, or other computers. Your files can be synced to any device you choose, and you can even work with Dropbox while you are offline. You can also easily share your things with others. You can invite people to any folder or send people a link to a specific folder. Like Google Docs, you can collaborate with others by creating a shared folder. When someone edits the file, everyone is updated automatically. For classroom use, I could share folders of student work with parents for conferences. I could also share classroom photos and videos with parents. I could share lesson plans and other school documents with my grade level as well.  Students could work together on research projects, reports, presentations and publications. Dropbox is a useful educational tool. 
Resources: https://www.dropbox.com/
https://www.dropbox.com/tour/0

Google Docs

Google Docs is an online application that allows users to create and edit text documents within their browser. There are three options when using the app: collaborate, comment, and chat. It is an excellent application for students working in groups on research projects, publications/presentations, reports, etc.   Students can view the document from wherever they are and everyone can contribute to it. They can make comments on the document, other group members can see the comment, respond to it and then they can make changes if necessary. They can also open a chat about the document. Notifications are sent to each person in the group when someone has made a comment or opened a chat. I think this app is innovative and can be used in so many ways in the classroom. It would be great if the teacher was included, too, so he/she could make comments as necessary about the document.
Resource: https://gsuite.google.com/intl/en_us/products/docs/?utm_source=bingyahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=na-us-en-Workbooks-BKWS-gafw-trial-e&KWID=43700009882325980&utm_term=google%20doc

Use of blogs in my classroom

After visiting numerous blogs, I feel that the possibilities of using them in the classroom are endless! I feel like visiting blogs is like falling down the rabbit hole- it keeps going and going and going...The National Geographic blog would be an excellent tool for piquing student interest in certain subjects, and would be a great research tool for them to use. With Pre-K, it would be a great source of showing nonfiction information to my students. The Scholastic blog is a great resource for educators and parents, as well as kids. My favorite is the Kid Reporter's Notebook! My students would be highly motivated to get blogging by seeing other children blogging! 
Resources: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ng-blogs/
http://www.scholastic.com/blogs/

Blogging? It's elementary, my dear Watson!

I think it is fascinating that students will write better when they are writing for an audience! I know writing is a skill that so many students struggle with, and I think that blogging may be the answer! Blogging? It’s elementary, my dear Watson! is Lorrie Jackson’s article about the ease of classroom blogging even at the elementary level. She discusses how blogging helps students become better writers because they are writing to an online audience and responding to reader comments. She gives suggestions of blog sites to get teachers started: Blogmeister, Kidzblog, and Thingamablog. She also stresses the importance of keeping students safe by knowing your school or district’s Acceptable Use Policy. Finally, she includes a link to one teacher’s story about using blogging in her classroom. The fact that students become better writers due to blogging is a common thread I have seen in all the articles I have recently read. Are you blogging in your classroom yet?!
Resource: http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech217.shtml

How to get started blogging in the classroom

In Matt Banner’s article, How to get started blogging in the classroom, he discusses using blogging as an educational tool. One way he suggests using a blog is to stay in contact with parents and students, updating them about exams, grades, etc. Blogs can also be used to “expand on your current subject, or act as a study tool for your students to use when they’re not in class.” He gives the how-to’s of developing your blog, as well as describes different types of blogs. I had never heard of a self-hosted blog, but the author suggests that it is the best type of blog because you have total control of your website. Banner then reminds you about promoting your blog, linking your sources and keeping track of your visitors to see growth. Blogging provides students an opportunity to speak their minds and express their opinions, in turn creating better writers. Students become experts on their subjects by blogging about them- they post about their subject, read others comments, research more about their subject, reply to comments, along the way deepening their understanding of their subject.
Resource: https://www.onblastblog.com/blogging-in-the-classroom/

Blog Basics

Blog Basics is a 6-part tutorial on how to design and develop your own blog. It begins by defining what a blog is, who bloggers are, why people blog and what they blog about. The next part tells you about subscribing to blogs that you are interested in by using an RSS and gives some suggestions for choosing an RSS reader. Developing your blog is the third part, and the part I found most helpful. It suggests choosing blogging goals and topics, deciding how much time to commit to blogging and how much personal information to share, as well as some design ideas. Choosing a blog service is the fourth part of the tutorial. There are different types of blog services, traditional (WordPress and Blogger,) and microblogging (Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter). Traditional blogs have photos, text, and images. They are customizable websites where people can leave comments on your posts. Microblogs are usually shorter- one line of text or an image or photo. In the fourth part of the tutorial, writing and promoting your blog, you learn how to attract readers and connect with other bloggers. Finally, you learn about copyright and what legally can and cannot be used on your blog.

Blog basics helped me develop my blog and I highly recommend it to anyone out there trying to do the same. 
Resource: https://www.gcflearnfree.org/blogbasics/

Blogs in the classroom

In this article, Christopher Pappas discusses how to implement blogs into the classroom to increase literacy across all subjects. He suggests choosing a platform for blogging first and gives a description of the top three: Edublog.com, Kidblog,com, and WordPress.org. Then he offers 11 tips for using blogs. First, develop goals, guidelines and expectations. He recommends posting the guidelines to the class blog for easy access for students and parents. He suggests starting small- write a classroom blog about something your students are passionate about, reading other classroom blogs, and being consistent with posting. Commenting etiquette, writing skills, and plagiarism should also be taught to students. Finally, he mentions connecting with other bloggers and readers via social media and word of mouth. I really like his idea that blogging should be integrated across the curriculum. I think that a blog is a creative, fun way to learn about and explore different topics.

I think using a blog in my classroom would be beneficial for many reasons. I would begin by writing posts as a class, and eventually allow students to post individually. I teach Pre-K, so my blog would be dictated by my students and written by me. I could do a post at the end of each unit taught, where students tell me about what they have learned. It could be a sort of journal to document our learning throughout the year. I would post pictures of my students doing activities and learning along the way. My students would learn speaking and listening skills, some early writing skills, as well as collaboration with each other.
Resource: https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-blogs-in-the-classroom

Blogging in the 21st- century classroom

 Wow! Michelle Lampinen’s article, Blogging in the 21^st- Century Classroom, gets me so pumped about blogging in the classroom! She discusses how she wanted her students to write more, so she gave them the assignment of blogging weekly. She said that her students writing is improving and is transferring to formal work, too. Her student responses to texts and persuasive writing skills are also improving. Introverted students are sharing more, reserved students are getting more attention from their peers. Talk about a win-win!  I think it would be a little challenging in Pre-K and Kindergarten because they lack fundamental writing skills. But using a blog in a first-grade classroom could be a game changer! Students who hate writing because they have poor fine motor skills will not have that hurdle. Students can blog about their own interests, increasing the desire to “write”. Today’s kids are more technology oriented than ever, and blogging gives them the perfect avenue for expressing themselves! 
Resource: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/blogging-in-21st-century-classroom-michelle-lampinen