The readings each week from the text have been interesting. I try to reflect on the writings and recognize correlations to other things in life. The author’s idea of the contribution game was clever to say the last. The first thought that crossed my mind was it was another form of coddling the people with self-esteem issues. In the end the theme is that each individual act can make a difference.
Roz’s story about the generational generosity gave the idea that people tend to want to hear plans on how they will solve their problems, not just maintain status quo. In a sense people should be setting the tone, not chasing the bar.
Ben’s stories such as the white sheets showed that through communication in a respectful way can lead to positive feedback. The Cuban story showed that despite the language barrier and political system in place, peer-to-peer learning could occur.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Week 2 Project: Content Proposal
Well the second week of working on the Media project is a mixed bag of results. I am struggling with narrowing down my content selections. There are more modules in my plan than I can get done. The question I ask my self is should I focus more on non-technology or technology related modules.
The main point I make in my thesis is how a single teacher can take the initiative and begin transforming their own classroom and curriculum in to a blended learning environment. The course modules will guide the teacher on a path that will expose them to the basic knowledge and develop various skills to start the process.
Is it better to have a broad of spectrum of topics or have an in depth look into a few areas? I am striving to go the broad road and build up the depth over time after the course is over.
The main point I make in my thesis is how a single teacher can take the initiative and begin transforming their own classroom and curriculum in to a blended learning environment. The course modules will guide the teacher on a path that will expose them to the basic knowledge and develop various skills to start the process.
Is it better to have a broad of spectrum of topics or have an in depth look into a few areas? I am striving to go the broad road and build up the depth over time after the course is over.
Week 2 Free Choice
I came across this article in the online version of the “Journal.com”. The article is called “An ‘A’ in abstractions”.. The gist of the article was about assessing 21st century skills in our K-12 students. The use of multiple-choice tests is not a meaningful way to measure comprehension of content and skills.
The use of performance-based assessment in measuring 21st century skills is growing among many school districts. One thought is that the students use real world tools that are relevant and purposeful to the students. The tasks are rich and authentic when performed. Finally, they should be embedded organically into projects that the students do.
The Catalina Foothills School District in Arizona assesses students in 12 learning skills, divided among three categories. They are making a concerted effort through the K-12 spectrum following these guidelines.
The use of performance-based assessment in measuring 21st century skills is growing among many school districts. One thought is that the students use real world tools that are relevant and purposeful to the students. The tasks are rich and authentic when performed. Finally, they should be embedded organically into projects that the students do.
The Catalina Foothills School District in Arizona assesses students in 12 learning skills, divided among three categories. They are making a concerted effort through the K-12 spectrum following these guidelines.
Week 2 Comment
Friday, March 12, 2010
WK 2 Blog Entry 1 - Media Project
Working on my media project is proving a daunting task. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do and find that my skills are not yet strong enough or I should say fast enough to accomplish what I want in the time we have. But I will endeavor to make it work! Any illustrators out there will to work for free under a major time crunch??
Just joking. I'll get it done. The support in this class is tremendous and goes a long way in helping keep me on track. Mind you, with the final thesis due on the 21st, 75% of the media project the 22nd and my presentation on the 22nd, I must admit I'm not quite sure which I should be working on when!
Posted by Donna Tracy at 8:39 AM
1 comments:
Stand and Deliver said...
This is a lot of stuff to do in this short period of time. The real kicker is that all of us are clamoring to be creative and it takes time to get it just right. I am afraid of not getting it right in time for the deadlines. I can only imagine if anybody is not straight on what they are going to do for their project.
I have come to the realization that I will be working on my media project beyond this course and the next. My goal is to be presenting at FETC in February 2011.
March 14, 2010 5:30 PM
WK 2 Blog Entry 1 - Media Project
Working on my media project is proving a daunting task. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do and find that my skills are not yet strong enough or I should say fast enough to accomplish what I want in the time we have. But I will endeavor to make it work! Any illustrators out there will to work for free under a major time crunch??
Just joking. I'll get it done. The support in this class is tremendous and goes a long way in helping keep me on track. Mind you, with the final thesis due on the 21st, 75% of the media project the 22nd and my presentation on the 22nd, I must admit I'm not quite sure which I should be working on when!
Posted by Donna Tracy at 8:39 AM
1 comments:
Stand and Deliver said...
This is a lot of stuff to do in this short period of time. The real kicker is that all of us are clamoring to be creative and it takes time to get it just right. I am afraid of not getting it right in time for the deadlines. I can only imagine if anybody is not straight on what they are going to do for their project.
I have come to the realization that I will be working on my media project beyond this course and the next. My goal is to be presenting at FETC in February 2011.
March 14, 2010 5:30 PM
Monday, March 8, 2010
Content Proposal
Content Proposal
Traditional Classroom evolving into a Blended Learning Environment
EDM-613 Media Asset Creation
Education Media Design & Technology MS Program
Full Sail University
Prepared by:
Domenic Colangelo
03/07/2010
I. Thesis Abstract
The proposal is to create a series of modules that are self directed and utilized in a high school setting. It allows the end user to develop skill sets that will help prepare their classroom for a transformation. The process will support the change from a traditional classroom to a blended learning environment. Many teachers would benefit from the flexibility of self-directed study and the personalization of mentoring. Implementing a strategy of building a blended learning environment from the bottom up increases the likely hood of acceptance and success. The development of a culture through enrichment activities and organizations can lay the foundation of a blended learning environment. These experiences will cascade across many classrooms and through out the school.
II. Introduction
(3-5 Paragraphs)
Our educational system is going through a transition unlike any other in our lifetime. The vision of where it’s going is generally accepted and some might even say it’s more of a naming convention than a vision at this point. The names used for the vision are mostly involving the term 21st century. Now that term might be accompanied by follow up words such as learning, teaching, and skills.
The traditional classroom is filled with student desks that lined up in rows and bunched together. The teacher stands in the front of the room with a dry erase marker in hand. Directions and notes are written on the board, while talking about the theory of things. This method has been the benchmark for education in the 20th century.
The first decade of the 21st century has ushered in an era of technology and skill sets that are becoming a necessity in the business world and are already intertwined in to our daily. Unfortunately our education system is not geared for using these things in our traditional classrooms.
The classroom teacher needs to emulate strategies and personality traits of people in other areas of our society. The characteristics of the entrepreneur, evangelist, and grass roots organizer can help. Many of our greatest innovations, businesses, and achievements became a reality due to people who emulate some of the attributes involved in these types of activities.
The majority of teachers work hard everyday and even the most organized educators often take their work home with them. It is an unfortunate aspect of the education profession, but one that all great educators know is a necessity to be successful in their classroom.
III. Goals and Objectives
(3-6 Paragraphs)
Instructional Goal
The creation of a culture in the traditional classroom that embraces the attributes of a blended learning environment that is built over time. This culture becomes a living entity and must be nurtured like any living organism. Another instructional goal is encouraging the idea that being creative complements a person and tapping into the learner’s inner passion is valuable in the education community. These goals can be supported by effective staff development, sufficient mentoring, and engaging curriculum.
Learning Domain
The media project cannot teach the end user all that they must know. It is a resource that can be used, but only effective when coupled with the affective domain. The right attitude to be self-directed and willing feels the passion in side of themselves. This feeds in to the cognitive and psychomotor domains. The course models can provide knowledge if done correctly and provide experience through the hands on experience activities.
Learning Objectives
The objectives that are important to fulfill in the blended learning modules are technology and non-technology in origin. Understanding the elements of your classroom’s physical space and cultural atmosphere. The value of collaboration with in your peer group and the effectiveness of peer mentoring. Utilizing self-directed curriculum as a solution when implementing differential instruction.
IV. Presentation
(6-9 Paragraphs)
Instructional approach
The building of knowledge is vital for a learner to take on challenging tasks. In the current social structure of high school aged learners it is a high priority for them to be social while they learn. Social networking drives the interest in web 2.0 tools and digital media content that these tools support. The social constructivism approach is appropriate for the current generation of high school aged learners.
Lesson Structure
The content will be presented in the form of training modules with the Learning Management System called Schoology. Each of the modules will support aspects of the creating a blended learning environment. The rationale is that the process is a transformation over time and that you can start with a few small things that are not related to technology, but support the use of technology in a blended learning environment.
V. Evaluation
(2-3 Paragraphs)
The measurement of learning is part of the learning process it self. There are many administrators and teachers that are not experienced in evaluating the use of technology by it self, let alone when used in conjunction with curriculum. The creation of evaluation tools goes beyond the rubric for a class assignment. A rubric should also be created for an evaluator on the assignments so they may gain experience as well through the endeavor.
Through out the series of training modules the learner will be exposed to different aspects of a blended learning environment. Creating a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be used to start the evolution process in their classroom.
VI. References
Demski, J. (2009, May) Assess, Instruct, Repeat. The Journal.com, 36, 30-36.
Demski, J. (2010, January) Winning back home schoolers. The Journal.com, 37, 20-21.
Demski, J. (2009, August) Space Craft: Innovative architecture is bringing form to the function of 21st century learning. The Journal.com, 36, 34-38.
Fletcher, G. (2009, May) A matter of principals. The Journal.com, 36, 22-28.
Fox, C. (2009, June/July) More than Machines. The Journal.com, 36, 23-26.
Mccabe, C.K. (2009, May) Get them to try something new. NEA Today, 27, 38-39.
Knobe, M. (2009, June/July). Hungry for help: Schools of Education must fuel a digital revolution in teaching. Edutopia, 5, 30-32.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, August) The VOD Couple. The Journal.com, 36, 19-23.
Jehlen, A. (2007, November). Professional development. NEA Today, 26, 36-37.
Gordon, D. (2009, May) Profile: Steve Paine. The Journal.com, 36, 18-20.
Michaelsen, L. & Sweet, M. (2010, January/Febuary) Team Based Learning. Nea Today, 28, 38-39.
Ramaswami, R. (2009, May) Even! But no longer odd. The Journal.com, 36, 38-44.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, September) Which came first-the technology or the pedagogy? The Journal.com, 36, 27-32.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, May) Scale. The Journal.com, 36, 30-36.
Shore, J. (2009, September) Carla Wade Profile. The Journal, 36, 14-16.
Traditional Classroom evolving into a Blended Learning Environment
EDM-613 Media Asset Creation
Education Media Design & Technology MS Program
Full Sail University
Prepared by:
Domenic Colangelo
03/07/2010
I. Thesis Abstract
The proposal is to create a series of modules that are self directed and utilized in a high school setting. It allows the end user to develop skill sets that will help prepare their classroom for a transformation. The process will support the change from a traditional classroom to a blended learning environment. Many teachers would benefit from the flexibility of self-directed study and the personalization of mentoring. Implementing a strategy of building a blended learning environment from the bottom up increases the likely hood of acceptance and success. The development of a culture through enrichment activities and organizations can lay the foundation of a blended learning environment. These experiences will cascade across many classrooms and through out the school.
II. Introduction
(3-5 Paragraphs)
Our educational system is going through a transition unlike any other in our lifetime. The vision of where it’s going is generally accepted and some might even say it’s more of a naming convention than a vision at this point. The names used for the vision are mostly involving the term 21st century. Now that term might be accompanied by follow up words such as learning, teaching, and skills.
The traditional classroom is filled with student desks that lined up in rows and bunched together. The teacher stands in the front of the room with a dry erase marker in hand. Directions and notes are written on the board, while talking about the theory of things. This method has been the benchmark for education in the 20th century.
The first decade of the 21st century has ushered in an era of technology and skill sets that are becoming a necessity in the business world and are already intertwined in to our daily. Unfortunately our education system is not geared for using these things in our traditional classrooms.
The classroom teacher needs to emulate strategies and personality traits of people in other areas of our society. The characteristics of the entrepreneur, evangelist, and grass roots organizer can help. Many of our greatest innovations, businesses, and achievements became a reality due to people who emulate some of the attributes involved in these types of activities.
The majority of teachers work hard everyday and even the most organized educators often take their work home with them. It is an unfortunate aspect of the education profession, but one that all great educators know is a necessity to be successful in their classroom.
III. Goals and Objectives
(3-6 Paragraphs)
Instructional Goal
The creation of a culture in the traditional classroom that embraces the attributes of a blended learning environment that is built over time. This culture becomes a living entity and must be nurtured like any living organism. Another instructional goal is encouraging the idea that being creative complements a person and tapping into the learner’s inner passion is valuable in the education community. These goals can be supported by effective staff development, sufficient mentoring, and engaging curriculum.
Learning Domain
The media project cannot teach the end user all that they must know. It is a resource that can be used, but only effective when coupled with the affective domain. The right attitude to be self-directed and willing feels the passion in side of themselves. This feeds in to the cognitive and psychomotor domains. The course models can provide knowledge if done correctly and provide experience through the hands on experience activities.
Learning Objectives
The objectives that are important to fulfill in the blended learning modules are technology and non-technology in origin. Understanding the elements of your classroom’s physical space and cultural atmosphere. The value of collaboration with in your peer group and the effectiveness of peer mentoring. Utilizing self-directed curriculum as a solution when implementing differential instruction.
IV. Presentation
(6-9 Paragraphs)
Instructional approach
The building of knowledge is vital for a learner to take on challenging tasks. In the current social structure of high school aged learners it is a high priority for them to be social while they learn. Social networking drives the interest in web 2.0 tools and digital media content that these tools support. The social constructivism approach is appropriate for the current generation of high school aged learners.
Lesson Structure
The content will be presented in the form of training modules with the Learning Management System called Schoology. Each of the modules will support aspects of the creating a blended learning environment. The rationale is that the process is a transformation over time and that you can start with a few small things that are not related to technology, but support the use of technology in a blended learning environment.
V. Evaluation
(2-3 Paragraphs)
The measurement of learning is part of the learning process it self. There are many administrators and teachers that are not experienced in evaluating the use of technology by it self, let alone when used in conjunction with curriculum. The creation of evaluation tools goes beyond the rubric for a class assignment. A rubric should also be created for an evaluator on the assignments so they may gain experience as well through the endeavor.
Through out the series of training modules the learner will be exposed to different aspects of a blended learning environment. Creating a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be used to start the evolution process in their classroom.
VI. References
Demski, J. (2009, May) Assess, Instruct, Repeat. The Journal.com, 36, 30-36.
Demski, J. (2010, January) Winning back home schoolers. The Journal.com, 37, 20-21.
Demski, J. (2009, August) Space Craft: Innovative architecture is bringing form to the function of 21st century learning. The Journal.com, 36, 34-38.
Fletcher, G. (2009, May) A matter of principals. The Journal.com, 36, 22-28.
Fox, C. (2009, June/July) More than Machines. The Journal.com, 36, 23-26.
Mccabe, C.K. (2009, May) Get them to try something new. NEA Today, 27, 38-39.
Knobe, M. (2009, June/July). Hungry for help: Schools of Education must fuel a digital revolution in teaching. Edutopia, 5, 30-32.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, August) The VOD Couple. The Journal.com, 36, 19-23.
Jehlen, A. (2007, November). Professional development. NEA Today, 26, 36-37.
Gordon, D. (2009, May) Profile: Steve Paine. The Journal.com, 36, 18-20.
Michaelsen, L. & Sweet, M. (2010, January/Febuary) Team Based Learning. Nea Today, 28, 38-39.
Ramaswami, R. (2009, May) Even! But no longer odd. The Journal.com, 36, 38-44.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, September) Which came first-the technology or the pedagogy? The Journal.com, 36, 27-32.
Schaffhauser, D. (2009, May) Scale. The Journal.com, 36, 30-36.
Shore, J. (2009, September) Carla Wade Profile. The Journal, 36, 14-16.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Week 1 Readings
The reading provided some insight, affirmation and clarity on things. After reading the assigned chapters, it occurred to me that teaching skills such as problem solving, story boarding, etc.. bridge what was implied in the text. We see only what were programmed to see and thinking outside the box.
In the spirit of the cliché “the glass is half full’ and looking at the bright side. The author spoke of “speaking to the passion” as a motivation for the student. In today’s educational system with the broad spectrum of learning styles, differential instruction is geared toward the passion of how a student learns. The use of Auditory and visual materials fulfills the passion aspect of learning.
The time I heard the idea of giving and “A” up front was from the movie “Dangerous Minds” when the teacher gave them all an “A” in the beginning of the course. Their job was to keep it by doing their assignments. There is a scene where the student stated it was the first time he ever had an “A” and didn’t want to lose it.
The “A” held great value to him and was a big motivator. However, the support of the teacher in various ways in mentoring him to keep it was also important. It’s balance that must be aligned and maintained over time to succeed.
In the spirit of the cliché “the glass is half full’ and looking at the bright side. The author spoke of “speaking to the passion” as a motivation for the student. In today’s educational system with the broad spectrum of learning styles, differential instruction is geared toward the passion of how a student learns. The use of Auditory and visual materials fulfills the passion aspect of learning.
The time I heard the idea of giving and “A” up front was from the movie “Dangerous Minds” when the teacher gave them all an “A” in the beginning of the course. Their job was to keep it by doing their assignments. There is a scene where the student stated it was the first time he ever had an “A” and didn’t want to lose it.
The “A” held great value to him and was a big motivator. However, the support of the teacher in various ways in mentoring him to keep it was also important. It’s balance that must be aligned and maintained over time to succeed.
Week 1 Free Choice
The trend I have seen in my 6 years as an educator is the focus on passing standardized tests, stacking up on AP courses to boot GPA points, and being involved in so many extra-curricular activities that nothing is enjoyable and the quality of achievement is sub par. This was very apparent when I was a girls soccer coach and placed in too situations where the girls were double booked or stressed out from overload.
There is an article in NEA today that touched on taking tougher courses to boost college admission odds. In my school district our school grade has been reformulated to reflect different criteria and some of it is the number of AP courses taken and AP Exams passed. Too many students take AP classes and are either not at that level or our unable to do the amount of work necessary to succeed in the class, let alone pass the AP exam.
I wonder where the days of inspiring a student to be interested in the content and they begin to love being in the class have gone? There is so much focus on the standard tests and the remedial teaching strategies in the classroom that creative inspiration has gone to the wayside.
There is an article in NEA today that touched on taking tougher courses to boost college admission odds. In my school district our school grade has been reformulated to reflect different criteria and some of it is the number of AP courses taken and AP Exams passed. Too many students take AP classes and are either not at that level or our unable to do the amount of work necessary to succeed in the class, let alone pass the AP exam.
I wonder where the days of inspiring a student to be interested in the content and they begin to love being in the class have gone? There is so much focus on the standard tests and the remedial teaching strategies in the classroom that creative inspiration has gone to the wayside.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)