Based upon your own teaching experiences (if any) and the contents of this lesson, what instructional media formats interest you? What instructional methods do you currently use this instructional media within an instructional setting? How do you anticipate using this instructional media within an instructional setting in the future? Make sure that you describe specific instructional methods.
I definitely agree that it was the MEDIA that first drew me to the field of Instructional Technology. As I progressed in my teaching career, I started to see the value of media, especially computers and "gadgets" like the Smartboard. I realized that my students would get REALLY excited to play a game using the computer, but if we tried the same game (say a Jeopardy-type game) on the regular chalkboard, they would get bored quickly. I noticed that I had many students who knew as much, if not more, about computers than I did! I really worked to make it a valuable learning tool in my classroom.
I find that many instructional methods lend themselves to using the computer and Smartboard. In those rare instances when I felt it necessary to lecture (I taught 4th grade, so we did a lot more "active" learning), I found that something like the Smartboard or even just the laptop and projector provided me with a way to share photos, maps, primary sources, websites, etc. It added so much to the lecture, and really paved the way for wonderful discussions (another method). I worked closely with the Instructional Technologist at my school and we often had the students pair up and do research on various topics. They would become experts on one aspect of our lesson and would then "teach" the class. For example, when we did our unit on the Jamestown Settlement, one pair would study John Smith, another pair would study Powhatan, another would research the reasons for settling in that area, etc. They would use the internet to find additional information and would share that with the class. This allowed them to use their internet research skills (something that we spent a good bit of time on, because I realized they had no idea how to find accurate, quality information), discuss the findings with their partners, and then, further cement the learning by developing a short lesson or activity to teach the information to their classmates. Of course, they always wanted to present in the computer lab so they could use the Smartboard!
I am definitely interested in utilizing things like blogs in the future. I know that the school where I taught in Virginia now has blogging capabilities on the school's website. Teachers can blog and students can respond and share their own ideas/questions. I really enjoy reading the blogs for this course and I find that I am learning even more through others in the class. Not only am I learning valuable Instuctional Technology information, but I am getting great ideas for my classroom when I teach again! I like that blogging is a form of discussion, but it allows for thoughtful responses. In a classroom, you have to respond quickly....on a blog, you can think things out and respond, ask questions, etc.
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4 comments:
You are right about being able to judge the value of a website. So many assume that no matter what they read--it is true. I have discussions with teachers and students alike as to the validity of wikipedia. No matter what--you need to verify your sources at least twice.
I agree. I'm glad to hear that you are preaching the value of not plucking the low-hanging fruit of the Internet without verifying first.
Your fourth graders must have loved you. So often I have seen teachers assign research papers or projects without teaching the kids how to find quality information. Great job!
I have also found that students love to use computers and other forms of technology during lessons. The students are more interested and engaged in the learning process. I also think it is great that you guide students to find reliable information instead of just using any website. Students need to know that not all information available on the internet is accurate.
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