I was very interested in reading this article as our PBL group decided to focus on the Task Analysis of Writing. I found that learning how to write is just as difficult and maybe even more so than learning how to read or speak.
Sousa mentions that the process of learning to write does not develop without instruction. He also discusses that writing has two components. They are the combination of the content of writing (the writing process) and the physical act of writing. In addition, it is stated that writing involves a multiple of neural networks. Students hear a word or visually process the word, convert sounds to letters then form the letters on the page (motor output). So many other factors can be involved when teaching a student to write, such as, the experiences they have had with writing, their emotional state and whether they have an understanding of the organization of writing as well as the rules (e.g. spelling, grammar).
With all that is involved with learning to write, it does not surprise me that students have difficulty with writing in schools. I think of my classroom last year and the work that was being done to assist the students to improve their writing. So much has to be learned by the teacher in order to assist their students to help them through the writing process. As I continued to read through the Sousa article and reflected on the research with dysgraphia I can think of two students who were labelled as being lazy or unmotivated to try. I really believe, as Sousa states, that teachers need to assist students in understanding what is effective writing, they need to build their confidence and they also need to pinpoint where the struggle is for their students. Not that the teachers in my school are not practicing this but I believe gaining insight into the understanding of what the writing process entails as well as the various strategies and techniques that are available (many are present within this article which are wonderful) will have a benefit for both the teachers and students within the classroom.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Reflection on Project Work July 18th
Our group is very excited with our project and how everything is coming together. Yesterday we had a very productive day with finalizing the outline of our presentation. We completed our three blogs that we will be sharing with the BEd students by adding another video and an additional brainstorm web through Inspiration. We reviewed all of our vidoes and decided which ones to show as well as organized our thoughts around which disabiltites to highlight.
We also had the opportunity to go to Seminary House and practice our presentation from start to finish. This was very beneficial. As we ran through the blogs and videos we realized there were a few details missing that would help the presentation run smoother. We got a really good sense of how the presentation would look so we divided responsibilities for tomorrow and practiced what we would say and share with the audience.
There is a lot of information to communicate but it is all valuable in learning how we as educators can better meet the needs of our students.
We hope you enjoy our presentation Barb! See you tomorrow.
We also had the opportunity to go to Seminary House and practice our presentation from start to finish. This was very beneficial. As we ran through the blogs and videos we realized there were a few details missing that would help the presentation run smoother. We got a really good sense of how the presentation would look so we divided responsibilities for tomorrow and practiced what we would say and share with the audience.
There is a lot of information to communicate but it is all valuable in learning how we as educators can better meet the needs of our students.
We hope you enjoy our presentation Barb! See you tomorrow.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
IPod/App Exploration and other Reflections
I am getting very close to buying one of these IPods. They can do almost anything.
I spent some time at the baseball field this weekend (as I usually do in the summer) and my husband (who is a coach) and I were talking about the pitcher and how fast he was throwing the ball. I got to thinking about whether the IPod had a speedometer app to measure the speed of pitches? I did some googling yesterday and I found a great app that I shared with my husband. It is called "Baseball Coach Plus". It allows you to record videos, then compare techniques followed by a before and after clip which enables improvement. It can also measure pitch speed among many other uses. He thought it was great and also thought the kids would think it was neat if he was using an IPod to assist in coaching:)
I also did some researching on writing apps where our group is focusing on the writing task analysis for our project. I first found a website that offered creative writing prompts to download as slides to view on slideshare. The website is http://www.edgalaxy.com/. This may not have too much benefit with our project but I can see great use within my classroom to encourage student's creativity. I also found an app that would benefit our student with ASD. It is called "AbcPocketPhonics" and would assist with letter sounds, letter writing and the spelling of basic words. This student could assist in our Poster/Collage making to promote the topic of Plastics.
The following website gave a number of examples of apps I will be sharing with my group. It contains apps for organization, communication, writing and many others.
http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/iphoneipad-apps-for-aac
One final reflection for today was from an episode of Dragon's Den I watched this afternoon. Two young men designed a mouse for a computer that you could fit on your hand. I thought this could benefit some students, who were not able to manipulate a mouse, to use for various programs or software. I would like to see if there is more information on this product. See the picture below to view the "AirMouse".
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I spent some time at the baseball field this weekend (as I usually do in the summer) and my husband (who is a coach) and I were talking about the pitcher and how fast he was throwing the ball. I got to thinking about whether the IPod had a speedometer app to measure the speed of pitches? I did some googling yesterday and I found a great app that I shared with my husband. It is called "Baseball Coach Plus". It allows you to record videos, then compare techniques followed by a before and after clip which enables improvement. It can also measure pitch speed among many other uses. He thought it was great and also thought the kids would think it was neat if he was using an IPod to assist in coaching:)
I also did some researching on writing apps where our group is focusing on the writing task analysis for our project. I first found a website that offered creative writing prompts to download as slides to view on slideshare. The website is http://www.edgalaxy.com/. This may not have too much benefit with our project but I can see great use within my classroom to encourage student's creativity. I also found an app that would benefit our student with ASD. It is called "AbcPocketPhonics" and would assist with letter sounds, letter writing and the spelling of basic words. This student could assist in our Poster/Collage making to promote the topic of Plastics.
The following website gave a number of examples of apps I will be sharing with my group. It contains apps for organization, communication, writing and many others.
http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/article/iphoneipad-apps-for-aac
One final reflection for today was from an episode of Dragon's Den I watched this afternoon. Two young men designed a mouse for a computer that you could fit on your hand. I thought this could benefit some students, who were not able to manipulate a mouse, to use for various programs or software. I would like to see if there is more information on this product. See the picture below to view the "AirMouse".
Friday, 15 July 2011
Reflection July 15th
Our group is feeling more confident today about our project and presentation. We will be meeting early next week to run through it and sort out any details. I am looking forward to sharing this information with the BEd students. I wish I was able to have this experience when I was taking my BEd.
Today our group completed the Assistive Technology blog by finishing the research on AT for our Class Profile, and posting the link to our AT blog onto our main blog. It took collaboration and compromise when it came to making decisions about appropriate AT for specific students. We wanted to make sure that what AT we were suggesting would benefit the students in completing writing requirements for the project. We embedded YouTube videos to demonstrate a few examples of AT as well as posted pics to illustrate some of the software we chose. Some of the apps we included were downloaded onto our IPods so we could become more familiar with their use. We are hoping these apps can be demonstrated for our presentation.
We feel we have a wealth of information to share and are excited that it is all coming together.
Thanks for your support through this Barb!
Today our group completed the Assistive Technology blog by finishing the research on AT for our Class Profile, and posting the link to our AT blog onto our main blog. It took collaboration and compromise when it came to making decisions about appropriate AT for specific students. We wanted to make sure that what AT we were suggesting would benefit the students in completing writing requirements for the project. We embedded YouTube videos to demonstrate a few examples of AT as well as posted pics to illustrate some of the software we chose. Some of the apps we included were downloaded onto our IPods so we could become more familiar with their use. We are hoping these apps can be demonstrated for our presentation.
We feel we have a wealth of information to share and are excited that it is all coming together.
Thanks for your support through this Barb!
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Class Reflection July 14th
Today I really feel that our Project Based Learning presentation is coming together. We did a lot of research on possible assistive technology (AT) for students within our Class Profile. Each student provided our group the opportunity to communicate around the description of the disability, decide what AT is best for that student to achieve the writing requirements based on the task analysis for our project as well as create a brief description of the actual activity they will be completing. In researching the AT, I found it amazing how much is available and the extent of assistance to which these programs, gadgets and software provide for students. Some examples included Clicker 5, Track Ball, Smartboard, a Wiggle Seat and Skype. We found many apps as well to assist the students in our profile. These included Proloquo2Go, iReward, Fluid, BubbleWrap and ListsFree just to name a few.
We will continue to work on our Class Profile and find beneficial AT for the students. We will also move forward and research videos and website links that would help visualize and demonstrate the AT we are focusing on for our presentation to the BEd students.
Today I also had the opportunity to download Skype and create contacts. With my Project Based Learning Group we created a group within Skype so we are now able to talk with one another at the same time.
Great experiences today!
We will continue to work on our Class Profile and find beneficial AT for the students. We will also move forward and research videos and website links that would help visualize and demonstrate the AT we are focusing on for our presentation to the BEd students.
Today I also had the opportunity to download Skype and create contacts. With my Project Based Learning Group we created a group within Skype so we are now able to talk with one another at the same time.
Great experiences today!
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
IPod App Exploration
As part of our group project, is an in depth look at possible Assistive Technology (AT) that would assist students with disabilities in acheiving a product, in our case a blog. One area I am researching is students with Operational Defiant Disorder (ODD). It has been found that a source of ODD comes from experiencing anxiety in some form (e.g. trauma,stress). In order to assist students with ODD in the classroom would be to create a structured behaviour plan with reward system as well as possible opportunities for relaxation or time away. I have found some IPod apps (see below) that would assist in these areas.
1) An app for organization of tasks or assignments is called "RoundToIt"
2) Apps for tracking rewards and behaviour are called "iRewardChart" & "Golden Ticket"
An app I used on my IPod for personal use today was the camera app. Please forgive me if this is TMI (too much information) but I thought it was a neat experience. I made a video of my pregnant belly for approx. 10 minutes to watch as the baby kicked. In addition to that, I recorded the times within my notes app that the baby kicked. When I download the video to my laptop I will be able to show the grandparents and we can specifically watch for the babies movements. It actually was pretty exciting.
1) An app for organization of tasks or assignments is called "RoundToIt"
2) Apps for tracking rewards and behaviour are called "iRewardChart" & "Golden Ticket"
http://a4cwsn.com/?p=873 (to view video of "Golden Ticket" app)
3) Apps for relaxation are called "Relax", "iBonsai" & "Gratitude Journal"An app I used on my IPod for personal use today was the camera app. Please forgive me if this is TMI (too much information) but I thought it was a neat experience. I made a video of my pregnant belly for approx. 10 minutes to watch as the baby kicked. In addition to that, I recorded the times within my notes app that the baby kicked. When I download the video to my laptop I will be able to show the grandparents and we can specifically watch for the babies movements. It actually was pretty exciting.
Class Reflection July 13th
Today's work session started to become a little overwhelming however by the end our group got back on track. Project Based Learning is both a challenging but rewarding experience. I am glad we decided to explore this project because I feel that by "doing" and diving into the process, the learning is that much more valuable.
Our group did some work on our task analysis in creating a blog. We will choose to take the focus of the Writing aspects that are involved with a creation of this product. We posted an inspiration web in our blog to show the break down of the task analysis and will expand on the writing component in our presentation to the BEd students. We had a great conversation with Barb (thanks Barb) today about what is involved in both the reading and writing process. Beyond the teaching of reading and writing, there are experential, emotional and even nutritional factors that come into play for the student.
We wanted to gain more insight into our Class Profile so we researched videos on YouTube to demonstrate a further understanding about each disability. We have created a second blog page to highlight our Class Profile which will include these videos as well as the websites that had been previously added.
Our main focus now will be to research the Assistive Technology that will be required for our Class Profile to achieve the Writing requirements in creating a blog. We have created a third blog to post this information pertaining to the Assistive Technology as it is an essential part in helping the students achieve the outcomes through Project Based Learning. I have posted on my blog, as a start to this research, a YouTube video (see below) on how stress and/or trauma can be a factor in ODD (one student in class profile). This will assist me in searching for possible Iphone apps that could be used to help relax a student with ODD. As well, apps that could be helpful in creating a behaviour management plan for students with this disorder.
Our group did some work on our task analysis in creating a blog. We will choose to take the focus of the Writing aspects that are involved with a creation of this product. We posted an inspiration web in our blog to show the break down of the task analysis and will expand on the writing component in our presentation to the BEd students. We had a great conversation with Barb (thanks Barb) today about what is involved in both the reading and writing process. Beyond the teaching of reading and writing, there are experential, emotional and even nutritional factors that come into play for the student.
We wanted to gain more insight into our Class Profile so we researched videos on YouTube to demonstrate a further understanding about each disability. We have created a second blog page to highlight our Class Profile which will include these videos as well as the websites that had been previously added.
Our main focus now will be to research the Assistive Technology that will be required for our Class Profile to achieve the Writing requirements in creating a blog. We have created a third blog to post this information pertaining to the Assistive Technology as it is an essential part in helping the students achieve the outcomes through Project Based Learning. I have posted on my blog, as a start to this research, a YouTube video (see below) on how stress and/or trauma can be a factor in ODD (one student in class profile). This will assist me in searching for possible Iphone apps that could be used to help relax a student with ODD. As well, apps that could be helpful in creating a behaviour management plan for students with this disorder.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Reflection on Class July 12th
I feel our group was very productive today with our project. As well, I feel personally that I have gained so much more experience with technology.
The class profile was added to our group blog within a link list. We all did research on each disability and found a website that best describes what the disability is, then linked it to the list/class profile we were sent. What a great way for viewers to learn more about all of these disabilities. Our group also continued research on various Assistive Technology that can be used for students within our class profile. We will be working on adding this into our blog over the next couple of days. We are finding a wealth of information on the technology students can use to improve their functioning within the classroom.
We decided as a group that our final product for Project Based Learning will be a blog. We first posted a blog tutorial on our group blog. Our Task Analysis in creating a blog became very long, realizing how much goes into creating one. Through direct & wise instruction from our prof, we will be focusing on one, the Reading aspect that goes into creating a blog. The Reading task analysis itself is in depth and we have begun our research in creating an Inspiration Brainstorm Web to display the information we find. We focused initially on the Sousa article to get the background into the processes of Reading and what is involved in learning how to read.
I enjoyed experiencing the Elluminate Session today. It was my first time and I found it to have a great value. What a great way to converse, explore and learn with fellow colleagues (from the comfort of your own home even). I also liked the aspect where we were separated into groups or rooms. This would lend itself nicely in a classroom setting where students are working on group projects.
Thank you for this experience today Barb!
The class profile was added to our group blog within a link list. We all did research on each disability and found a website that best describes what the disability is, then linked it to the list/class profile we were sent. What a great way for viewers to learn more about all of these disabilities. Our group also continued research on various Assistive Technology that can be used for students within our class profile. We will be working on adding this into our blog over the next couple of days. We are finding a wealth of information on the technology students can use to improve their functioning within the classroom.
We decided as a group that our final product for Project Based Learning will be a blog. We first posted a blog tutorial on our group blog. Our Task Analysis in creating a blog became very long, realizing how much goes into creating one. Through direct & wise instruction from our prof, we will be focusing on one, the Reading aspect that goes into creating a blog. The Reading task analysis itself is in depth and we have begun our research in creating an Inspiration Brainstorm Web to display the information we find. We focused initially on the Sousa article to get the background into the processes of Reading and what is involved in learning how to read.
I enjoyed experiencing the Elluminate Session today. It was my first time and I found it to have a great value. What a great way to converse, explore and learn with fellow colleagues (from the comfort of your own home even). I also liked the aspect where we were separated into groups or rooms. This would lend itself nicely in a classroom setting where students are working on group projects.
Thank you for this experience today Barb!
Kurzweil Reflections
After listening to the webinars and researching more about Kurzweil. I feel like I have become comfortable with using this software, even after never seeing it before. I found a youtube video (see at the bottom of blog posts) where a school uses Kurzweil in the class to not only meet the needs of students with disabilities but all of the students present. It has something to offer everyone.
This is such a valuable program, I wish we had access to this in our Elementary School on a daily basis. Students and teachers would find this a wonderful tool to assist in learning and making it an enriching experience. The software is easy to use and there are so many ways to utilize this program in the classroom.
I look forward to today and the online webinar we will be having in class.
This is such a valuable program, I wish we had access to this in our Elementary School on a daily basis. Students and teachers would find this a wonderful tool to assist in learning and making it an enriching experience. The software is easy to use and there are so many ways to utilize this program in the classroom.
I look forward to today and the online webinar we will be having in class.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Monday July 11th Reflection
Today our group accomplished alot with our presentation and blog set-up. We re-arranged our blog using the design component and found a better way to set up the information we were finding. We researched alternatives to plastic and found many great websites/links and a wonderful You Tube video (Mushrooms are the New Plastic!). There was alot of exploration and collaboration with how we should present all of our findings so it would appear more accessible to its readers. We also found that removing some information from our actual blog posts and placing it onto the general blog template made the blog more appealing.
We ventured into our task analysis today (for the creation of a blog-which will be our final product) and couldn't believe how many tasks are actually required to create this project. In the next couple of days we will link our class profile to necessary and possible AT that will assist them in achieving the goal of creating a blog.
We ventured into our task analysis today (for the creation of a blog-which will be our final product) and couldn't believe how many tasks are actually required to create this project. In the next couple of days we will link our class profile to necessary and possible AT that will assist them in achieving the goal of creating a blog.
Saturday, 9 July 2011
More Ipod and App Exploration
I used the map and weather apps so far this weekend. I am away in PEI for my husband's baseball tournament. We had to find the field so the map app worked well. As well, todays weather was up in the air so I used the weather app to find out how much rain we were going to get and for how long we would expect the dreary weather. Needless to say a few games got rained out so we will be starting early tomorrow and will be in for a long day. The weather looks more hopeful for tomorrow!
I also did some research today on apps that would assist the students in the class profile for our Project Based Learning assignment. I found a great website of apps for special needs students. I believe some of the apps I found we could include in our project/group blog and share with the BEd students.
A few that I found were "mindmeister", which allows you to create, view and edit mind maps or brainstorms and share them to a website, "iTalk Recorder" is a good voice recorder, "Sentence Builder" helps build gramatically correct sentences and also includes pictures, "WhQuestions" has built in data tracking and contains over 300 "wh" questions and "Dictionary" uses predictive text as you search for words and definitions.
I am looking forward to sharing these apps with my group to see if we can use them as we complete our task analysis.
I also did some research today on apps that would assist the students in the class profile for our Project Based Learning assignment. I found a great website of apps for special needs students. I believe some of the apps I found we could include in our project/group blog and share with the BEd students.
A few that I found were "mindmeister", which allows you to create, view and edit mind maps or brainstorms and share them to a website, "iTalk Recorder" is a good voice recorder, "Sentence Builder" helps build gramatically correct sentences and also includes pictures, "WhQuestions" has built in data tracking and contains over 300 "wh" questions and "Dictionary" uses predictive text as you search for words and definitions.
I am looking forward to sharing these apps with my group to see if we can use them as we complete our task analysis.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Elluminate Session: Apps in Action for Multiple Disabilities & Ipod App Exploration
I began today by searching for apps that would assist students with various disabilites. I thought I would do some researching before listening to the webinar. I found a lot of great apps. One that stood out was the Dragon Dictation app. Not requiring the use of a keyboard and only needing voice made me think how beneficial this could be for students. There are many students in my school who have difficulty getting their thoughts down on paper. As well, their fine motor skills at times would impede the message they were trying to get forth. This app would be wonderful in assisting students to communicate their thoughts.
In my search I also came across the Christopher & Dana Reeve website where there are many apps available for people who are living with paralysis of some kind. Some of these apps would definitely assist students in the school system. One called "physiotherapy exercises" would enable students to go through a set of exercises without the manual handling from physical therapists. As well, one called "TaptoTalk" would be for those students who have difficulty speaking and this app would give them a chance to verbalize their wants and needs.
Upon listening to the webinar I realized that the Dragon app is quite a popular app for the Ipod and Ipad. I especially like the feature of word prediction that this app has as well as the Typ-O app. We use Fusion in our school which provides this feature of word prediction and it has been especially helpful with students spelling as well as giving them a chance to hear back their writing with the text to speech option.
In the webinar, there were a few points that have made me more excited about the use of the Ipod and Ipad within the classroom. I believe it is so important to have students included as much as possible and with the use of an Ipad for those non-readers, so they are able to listen to books in the classroom during a silent reading time, is wonderful. The "Reading A-Z" app for leveled text I could see being used within our school. I must admit that we have used so much paper to copy these books for various students and to see it ALL available within an app makes be very excited. (We just have to get an Ipod) I could touch on so many apps that I see being useful for our students. The app "Icoin" would be put to good use and the fact it deals with Canadian money is an added bonus! I must say the relaxation app also caught my eye. After I watched the webinar I did a google search for other relaxation apps and I found "Bubble Blow". This app allows you to blow bubbles, bounce or pop them, by shaking the Ipod you can create more bubbles and bubbles can also be blown by background sounds. (Sorry for all the "b's"). I had a boy with autism in my class last year and we were searching for different ways and methods to help him relax. These apps could be a huge help for him as well as many others. My eyes are widened as I continue to research and read about the benefits of apps on the Ipod and Ipad.
Thank you Barb for your time and efforts in this area!
In my search I also came across the Christopher & Dana Reeve website where there are many apps available for people who are living with paralysis of some kind. Some of these apps would definitely assist students in the school system. One called "physiotherapy exercises" would enable students to go through a set of exercises without the manual handling from physical therapists. As well, one called "TaptoTalk" would be for those students who have difficulty speaking and this app would give them a chance to verbalize their wants and needs.
Upon listening to the webinar I realized that the Dragon app is quite a popular app for the Ipod and Ipad. I especially like the feature of word prediction that this app has as well as the Typ-O app. We use Fusion in our school which provides this feature of word prediction and it has been especially helpful with students spelling as well as giving them a chance to hear back their writing with the text to speech option.
In the webinar, there were a few points that have made me more excited about the use of the Ipod and Ipad within the classroom. I believe it is so important to have students included as much as possible and with the use of an Ipad for those non-readers, so they are able to listen to books in the classroom during a silent reading time, is wonderful. The "Reading A-Z" app for leveled text I could see being used within our school. I must admit that we have used so much paper to copy these books for various students and to see it ALL available within an app makes be very excited. (We just have to get an Ipod) I could touch on so many apps that I see being useful for our students. The app "Icoin" would be put to good use and the fact it deals with Canadian money is an added bonus! I must say the relaxation app also caught my eye. After I watched the webinar I did a google search for other relaxation apps and I found "Bubble Blow". This app allows you to blow bubbles, bounce or pop them, by shaking the Ipod you can create more bubbles and bubbles can also be blown by background sounds. (Sorry for all the "b's"). I had a boy with autism in my class last year and we were searching for different ways and methods to help him relax. These apps could be a huge help for him as well as many others. My eyes are widened as I continue to research and read about the benefits of apps on the Ipod and Ipad.
Thank you Barb for your time and efforts in this area!
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Elluminate Session: Apps in Action for Reluctant Readers
Let me first start out by saying, WOW! I can't believe how many apps there are to assist children who have difficulty decoding text, have visual impairments or who are reluctant writers, just to name a few. As each app was explained I could think of a student in my class or one who attends resource/learning centre that would benefit from this technology.
This past year we conducted literature circles and one of the books we used was The Giver. I had my higher level readers reading this book, but I think back and reflect on other students who could have had this app on an Ipod and had the book read to them. The issue then comes with having the technology available.
(I want to contact our PTA this summer and put in requests for funding to purchase Ipods/Ipads for next year already)
The apps presented in the webinar that caught my interest were those that provided interactive options (ex. Nancy Drew, Food Fight) for the reader. I find that students who are reluctant with their reading, not only need the confidence but something to engage them and catch their eye. I especially like the app "Image to Text". This would open many doors for students on a day to day basis. The class I had last year could have used this adaptation to assist in achieving many outcomes.
Thank you Barb for all your work and sharing your findings!
This past year we conducted literature circles and one of the books we used was The Giver. I had my higher level readers reading this book, but I think back and reflect on other students who could have had this app on an Ipod and had the book read to them. The issue then comes with having the technology available.
(I want to contact our PTA this summer and put in requests for funding to purchase Ipods/Ipads for next year already)
The apps presented in the webinar that caught my interest were those that provided interactive options (ex. Nancy Drew, Food Fight) for the reader. I find that students who are reluctant with their reading, not only need the confidence but something to engage them and catch their eye. I especially like the app "Image to Text". This would open many doors for students on a day to day basis. The class I had last year could have used this adaptation to assist in achieving many outcomes.
Thank you Barb for all your work and sharing your findings!
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Reflection on Class July 6th
Today provided a wonderful opportunity to work with my new group on our project. One of the programs we are using is Inspiration and we are becoming more familiar with its uses each day. As we work together I am seeing the benefit Project Based Learning provides. The members in our group come with different experiences and perspectives and we are learning to work together, communicate our views and opinions to produce a product that is meaningful. I am seeing and understanding first hand the positive aspects to PBL and how it can better fit my students. I would personally feel that by participating in PBL that they could receive a more valuable education and learning experience.
IPod Exploration #2
I also added my first app today. I searched and found an app for a stethoscope. I was hoping to discover whether this app could help me hear my baby's heartbeat. The IPod has so many uses and I have only touched the service.
Project Based Learning-Reflection on Tuesday July 5th Class
I must say I am very excited about this project we are completing in class. After yesterdays colossal mix-up it seemed we would not get this experience. By the end of class I felt more comfortable and confident in project based learning, its benefits and the satisfaction to know we would be apart of something evolutionary.
Reflecting on what I have learned so far about Project Based Learning is that it comes from the students. This in itself demonstrates a personal investment in learning. Students will be completing something to gain meaning, knowledge and understanding. It will not be a task assigned just to meet outcomes. The opportunity to socialize and communicate with their peers will come from the exploration within Project Based Learning. These skills are something that I believe are lacking or beginning to diminish in our youth in todays society.
I saw the benefits first hand yesterday in class as I met new classmates and begun to explore a new focus for our assignment. I look forward to the days ahead.
Reflecting on what I have learned so far about Project Based Learning is that it comes from the students. This in itself demonstrates a personal investment in learning. Students will be completing something to gain meaning, knowledge and understanding. It will not be a task assigned just to meet outcomes. The opportunity to socialize and communicate with their peers will come from the exploration within Project Based Learning. These skills are something that I believe are lacking or beginning to diminish in our youth in todays society.
I saw the benefits first hand yesterday in class as I met new classmates and begun to explore a new focus for our assignment. I look forward to the days ahead.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Reading Disabilities-Sousa Article
I have begun reading this article and am fascinated by how in depth the process of reading really is. I am wondering myself, as the question was put forth in the article, are we teaching reading too early? I am looking forward to completing this Sousa article and discovering a possible answer to this question.
IPod Exploration
I received my first IPod yesterday. I have begun exploring the applications after I learned how to turn it on:)
The calendar app is great, I entered in a few upcoming events and deadlines. As well, I used the Notes app to document things I need to do today. These apps are great for organization. I could see the benefit some of my students could gain from using this tool!!
The calendar app is great, I entered in a few upcoming events and deadlines. As well, I used the Notes app to document things I need to do today. These apps are great for organization. I could see the benefit some of my students could gain from using this tool!!
Monday, 4 July 2011
First Day
This is my very first creation of a blog. Be patient with me as I am exploring all of the possibilities and functions of blogging. I look forward to this journey of learning about new technology and how it can assist learners in broadening their experiences.
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