I redesigned my classroom by imagining configurations using the SketchUp site. I wanted my learning space to reflect experience design and promote student-centered learning. A question I kept in mind throughout the process was how can I redesign this space so that my students' experiences are maximized?
I used this new site to display my technology skills and promote positive learning spaces in my own classroom. I designed my "dream" classroom that would be the best learning space for my students and would support collaboration and exploration. I was able to provide a digital sketch of my ideal classroom that would support students with disabilities. This assignment was used to support my reasoning for a new classroom design with my actual school district during the 2020 school year. Click here to view the full blog post. |
|
For this Maker Lesson Plan I was able to use the Makey Makey kit and K-cups to create a prototype based on my research on learning and knowledge of pedagogy. I was creating a way to answer multiple choice questions using the Makey Make kit and K-cups as buttons. See the YouTube video to the left to see a full explanation. I incorporated this new technology kit into a subject area where I knew my students would need more motivation and engagement. I found that this new technology was exciting and inquiry based. It allowed for me to see the importance of teaching students trial and error as I navigated perfecting my prototype. This technology taught me the importance of incorporating coding kits in many of my lessons.
Click here to view the full blog post. Click here to view the Maker Lesson Plan. |
I learned about a theory framework called Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK). It is a theory that was developed to explain the set of knowledge that teachers need to effectively teach their students a subject with the use of technology. I used this framework to repurpose technology that was typically used in one discipline and reused it in another through exploration, creation, and sharing.
The quickfire challenge in this project pushed me to be flexible and think outside the box. This experience showed me the importance of allowing technology exploration with my students. It is vital that my students explore technology to inspire creativity, experimentation, and innovation. It is my goal to use technology in unconventional ways so that students can understand the versatility and integration of technology in our curriculum and instruction. Click here for the full blog post. |
|
I worked one-on-one with a 2nd grade student who struggled with reading. I provided intervention lesson plans and assessments based on the results from reading interest inventories, Dolch Sight Word assessment, Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI), and QRI reading passages. I analyzed the data from the intervention lesson plans to determine if they were effective in improving the student's reading growth.
Click here to view the Literacy Learner project document. |
After analyzing and developing my own personal theory for learning I have concluded that learning takes on many forms. Learning has many aspects that help people become more successful learners in and out of the classroom. It is important to embrace these different aspects and incorporate them into the classroom setting, at our jobs, and even at home with our families.
As a result of this theory development I have found that people learn differently in various situations with a disability or not. Some people need additional auditory support while others may need visual representations to help guide their understanding of the lesson. There is no right or wrong way to learn, but it is vital to meet the needs of all students. Click here to view the document about my personal learning theory. |
This research review project pushed me to use a microscopic lens as I reviewed scientific research on fidget spinners and multisensory supports in the classroom. The focus of this paper was to identify how fidget spinners and other multisensory tools benefit or hinder student learning in the classroom. There are many opinions that educators have about the use of these tools in the classroom, therefore it was vital that data from research studies were gathered and analyzed to clear up any misconceptions or to reinforce current beliefs.
This research review project taught me the importance of collaboration with peers and professionals in different education fields. I searched for credible data collection methods, data analysis tools, and research-based findings. I worked closely with my professor and peers to find the best research based articles and evidence for my review. Click here to view my research review document. |
This project helped me to reflect on my information diet. My information diet contains massive amounts of information that exists with my specific networked world. This networked world is made up of people, organizations, and ideas that I have researched and approved. The reflection raised a red flag as I learned that many of the things in the network shared the same beliefs, ideals, and understanding of the world as I did.
I wanted to expand my personal learning network (PLN) to have a variety of viewpoints to expand my understanding of the world. I have learned a lot about my PLN. It is focused on four main areas: social media, professional development, colleagues and journals. Technology is the best way for me to stay connected with other educators and collaborate with them on a recurring basis. Click here to view the full blog post. |
I used the Piktochart site to create this infographic that displays my research on a wicked problem educators face in education today. I worked with a group to dig deeper into this wicked problem which was focused on using failure as a learning mode. This is a concept that parents, teachers, and students continue to struggle with and each have differing opinions about it.
The infographic was a visual representation that included the problem of failure as a way to learn, the research I have conducted about the problem, the three critical questions my Think Tank group was focusing on, and the references to the amazing sources of information I used during my research. I am proud of this infographic because I was able to use the technology skills I learned to display valuable information in a new and exciting way. I am also proud of the final Prezi presentation my group members and I collaborated on to unpack this wicked problem. We worked together to identify the problem and propose a practical solution. I learned the importance of listening to others viewpoints and sharing responsibilities in final products. Click here to view the full blog post. Click here to view the Prezi presentation. |