Supporting "Digital Natives" by Learning to use Digital Tools
Over the course of this program I have been introduced to numerous digital tools with which I can support my students in acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in our increasingly technological world of education and work. In bringing these tools to my students, however, I am not the "teacher" but rather a facilitator or coach. A tool that may take me an hour or more to learn is quickly incorporated into my students' repertoire. I don't have to be an "expert" or have all the answers. Rather, I need to be able to help my students discover the tools and their possible applications for any given task they may need or want to accomplish.
ED 702: Digital Tools for Edu-Vators
Learning Style ReflectionMy results according to The Visual Connection learning style quiz:
44% visual 16% auditory 40% kinesthetic These results were familiar to me, as I’ve taken similar quizzes in the past. I must say, however, that I’m always surprised by the kinesthetic number because I am not a very physically active person. Just the other day my 7th grade AVID students took their learning style quizzes from the AVID curriculum, and I was pleased to see the kinesthetics identifying themselves as kinesthetics, but these are athletes who have a hard time sitting still, and that’s definitely not me! But it’s important to realize that kinesthetic doesn’t mean that kind of need to move, necessarily. For me it’s about hands-on. For example, I’ve been a typist for many, many years, and if I’m having trouble spelling something, I just move my fingers around an imaginary keyboard and that’s how I figure out how to spell the word. Pretty kinesthetic, or maybe tactile is a more appropriate term for me. My results according to the quiz at Edutopia.org present some interesting differences: 58% linguistic 50% logical-mathematical 50% visual-spacial 50% intrapersonal 56% interpersonal 25% musical 8% bodily-kinesthetic 58% naturalistic So, it would appear I’m kinesthetic, but not bodily-kinesthetic. I think that fits with my “tactile” assumption. The one that really surprises me here is naturalistic. I had to look it up and it says “Naturalistic learners often understand the patterns of living things, and they apply scientific reasoning to the world. You recognize (and can classify) different types of plants or animals.” Now there was only one question that I remember being even remotely related to this description, and while most of it is true for me, I think of it in relation to my husband, who really is all these things. I’d been listening to barn owls at my home in Sebastopol for years before I met my husband and had no idea what or who they were, nor did I have any interest in finding out. Interesting. Once he identified the owls for me, I became interested. Linguistic didn’t surprise me at all, and it’s probably the main reason I’ve always done well in school, been a good reader, and effective communicator both in writing and verbally. In my opinion, far too much of what passes for teaching and learning in schools relies too heavily on this learning style, and non-linguistic learners just get left in the dust. |
Digital Citizenship Audit ReportBackground
Until very recently, our school site has had rather limited access to technology for students. In the fall of 2012, however, NapaLearns generously funded the acquisition of 120 Samsung Google Chromebooks, which are stored in four carts and shared among several (but not all) classrooms. Those of us who regularly use the Chromebooks have quickly realized that we need a more up to date acceptable use policy, as well as lessons and training for our students in order to keep them safe and productive. A recent Digital Citizenship Audit of our staff reveals some interesting perceptions (some erroneous and some valid) regarding student use of technology. Furthermore, the audit provides a snapshot into teacher thinking about these issues, and how at least some of that thinking may be misguided and insufficient. Continue Reading Internet Digital Citizenship Lesson Plan and Safety PosterJohn Lowell and I created a website for teaching digital citizenship to our students.
Link to Classroom WebsiteI created a classroom website a few years back and it can be viewed here. I am, however, really excited about creating a more engaging and interactive website for my students that will incorporate all of the tools that I have learned during this program. Additionally, I have been using Edmodo with my students and really enjoy and appreciate the sites ease of use and flexibility.
Survey of Digital and Non Digital School Issues |
Core Characteristics of 21st Century Learners
Common Patterns on Twitter
Digital Tools in Action
VoiceThreadMy response to a lecture by Dr. James Paul Gee, Distinguished Professor of Literacy Studies at Arizona State University.
JingHere's a little tutorial video I made to show students how to use the Google Docs survey tool.
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GlogsterThis is a poster I created regarding research methods.
PreziDigital Tools for Struggling Writers
I created an outline for my action research project. |